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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a vibrant, iconic, and eclectic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tokyo than Kuala Lumpur. Tokyo is bigger than Kuala Lumpur, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo.

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 Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo both to be amazing destinations.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Tokyo just to party. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is known as a music capital around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. 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.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo both superb destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Tokyo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

Kuala Lumpur is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo are amazing destinations for students.

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

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors in Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Kuala Lumpur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?

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 Tokyo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high tech city offers. 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

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.

In Tokyo, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this high energy big city offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 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 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 Tokyo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.

Tokyo 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 more rain in April than Tokyo. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur