A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kobe vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kobe and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Kobe and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kobe than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kobe is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Also, Kobe is famous for Kobe Harborland.

How is Kobe different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kobe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kobe is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kobe. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Kobe is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kobe has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kobe is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kobe and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kobe is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kobe offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Kobe Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. In our opinion, Kobe has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kobe than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai than Kobe. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chichibu-Tama-Kai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai than Kobe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chichibu-Tama-Kai that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kobe than Chichibu-Tama-Kai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kobe.

One day in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kobe, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the subdued city of Kobe, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Kobe. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find around the natural destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kobe is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The relaxing national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kobe and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kobe Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kobe is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kobe in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Kobe. In July, Kobe usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kobe during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In October, Kobe is generally a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 18°C (65°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. Kobe usually gets less rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kobe and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kobe this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kobe is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Kobe usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kobe or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kobe is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kobe in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kobe usually gets more rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kobe