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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Tokyo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Tokyo $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Tokyo $17
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:

  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $209
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
  • Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Arrival Private Transfer : $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki hotels to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $37
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.

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.22
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.22
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
  • Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
  • Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
  • Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Tokyo $68
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:

  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
  • (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
  • 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $502
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $84
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
  • Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
  • Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
  • Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Tokyo is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Jerusalem.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Tokyo. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Tokyo. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Jerusalem during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In the winter, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Jerusalem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)