A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Koyasan vs. Kobe for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Koyasan or Kobe?

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 Kobe. 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Kobe

Kobe is a subdued, under-rated, and multicultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kobe. Although Koyasan and Kobe are both popular with visitors, Kobe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kobe is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland.

How is Koyasan different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kobe 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 Kobe?

Koyasan is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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).

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.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Koyasan or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Kobe is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Kobe has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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.

Is Koyasan or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is great for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Koyasan offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Kobe?

Kobe is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kobe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Koyasan and Kobe are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koyasan. 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.

Kobe offers lots of family activities. 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 Koyasan or Kobe Better for Couples?

Koyasan is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Koyasan or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Is Koyasan or Kobe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Kobe.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

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.

Is Koyasan or Kobe a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koyasan or Kobe 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 Kobe. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koyasan than Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kobe, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Kobe?

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

In Kobe, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kobe has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Kobe?

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kobe is a great place to explore. 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 Kobe?

Because Koyasan is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kobe. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koyasan and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the summer, Koyasan is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Koyasan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kobe. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Kobe. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Koyasan is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koyasan or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Kobe. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koyasan is around the same temperature as Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Koyasan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Koyasan usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kobe. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Koyasan is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Koyasan