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

Should you visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koyasan. Although Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations, Koyasan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koyasan is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is also well known for Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Koyasan is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Koyasan. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

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 Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Koyasan is mediocre for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

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

Is Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is great for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Koyasan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very kid-friendly national park. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

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

Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great town 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.

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

Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan is a town 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 Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai both are very good when exploring on foot.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. In our opinion, Koyasan has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koyasan 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 Koyasan. 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 Koyasan than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koyasan that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

One day in Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many people enjoy the when visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Koyasan 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koyasan is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 27°C (81°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in July than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

Koyasan is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. In the winter, Koyasan is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koyasan in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Koyasan usually gets more rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Koyasan is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 15°C (59°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koyasan