A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

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 Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto are popular destinations, Kuala Lumpur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kyoto and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Kuala Lumpur know how to have a good time. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kyoto is revered around the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto are very good family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Kuala Lumpur has a great public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kyoto. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Kyoto. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Kyoto.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kyoto than Kuala Lumpur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kyoto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Kyoto 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Kyoto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fascinating city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto?

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

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Kuala Lumpur