A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kyoto vs. Atami for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kyoto or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Atami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kyoto and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kyoto is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its beaches. Kyoto is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Kyoto different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or Atami?

Kyoto is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Kyoto is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Atami has a better nightlife scene.

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

If you're looking for night time activities Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is renowned for its old town. However, Atami does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in 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.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Atami?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for Families?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kyoto is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for Couples?

Kyoto is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Atami is a good city for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Kyoto or Atami Better for Students?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Atami is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Kyoto can get you around easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Kyoto or Atami a more walkable city?

Kyoto is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kyoto or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kyoto than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Atami?

In Kyoto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Atami, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this overlooked destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kyoto or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. 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.

Five days in Kyoto or Atami?

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kyoto. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Atami is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Atami. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto and Atami, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Atami?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Atami, 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 Kyoto or Atami?

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 Kyoto or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Atami. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Atami. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Atami. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kyoto is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Atami. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In January, Kyoto is generally cooler than Atami. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Atami. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Atami. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atami and Kyoto