A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Kyoto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Kyoto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Kyoto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Kyoto?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jerusalem and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Kyoto $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Kyoto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jerusalem


Hotels in Kyoto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Kyoto $7.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.13
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $67
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
  • Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
  • Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
  • Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
  • Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Jerusalem change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jerusalem $31
    Kyoto $24
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $2.65
  • Watermelon
    $3.98
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.65
  • Bagels
    $7.96
  • Lunch for 2
    $14
  • Snacks
    $5.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $40
  • Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $41
  • Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $45
  • Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
  • Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $59
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $60
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $62
  • Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $63
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $66
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Kyoto $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $33

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arashiyama self guided tour app multilingual audio guide: $2.14
  • Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket: $6.13
  • Audio Guide Tour of Kinkaku-ji & Ryōan-ji Areas ~ Zen Echoe: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour Sanjusangen-do & Chishaku-in: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour through Gion: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Unveiling Kyoto Station Surroundings: $6.32
  • Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Arashiyama: Self-Guided Audio Tour through History & Nature: $6.32
  • Audio guide tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace & surroundings: $6.32
  • Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket: $6.95
  • Kyoto self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $8.56
  • Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour: $9.47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Kyoto $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
  • Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $80
  • Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $83
  • Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $97
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $153
  • Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $181
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $189
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
  • Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
  • Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $435


When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Kyoto, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jerusalem is in Middle East and Kyoto is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Kyoto, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Jerusalem or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Kyoto. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)