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

Should you visit Kyoto or Atlanta?

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 Atlanta 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 traditional, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Atlanta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Atlanta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kyoto is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Atlanta is known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Kyoto is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Kyoto different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the first-rate sights and museums in both Kyoto and Atlanta.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Kyoto and Atlanta.

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

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Kyoto or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Kyoto or Atlanta Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Atlanta?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Kyoto or Atlanta Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Atlanta are high quality to visit with kids.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Kyoto or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Kyoto is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Kyoto has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Kyoto or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Kyoto or Atlanta Better for Students?

Kyoto and Atlanta are high quality places to visit for 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.

Many students visit Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Kyoto is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

Kyoto offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Kyoto or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Kyoto is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Kyoto or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Atlanta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

In Kyoto, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Atlanta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A weekend in Kyoto or Atlanta?

In Kyoto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kyoto has to offer.

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

Kyoto is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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

A week in Kyoto or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Atlanta. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Atlanta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Atlanta?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?

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 Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Atlanta. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Atlanta. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In October, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Atlanta. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. Kyoto is cooler than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kyoto is cooler than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Kyoto