Which place is cheaper, Ise or Kyoto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Ise 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 is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.
You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Ise. Kyoto is bigger than Ise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ise is more popular for its beaches. Kyoto is more touristy than Ise and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ise and Kyoto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
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.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Kyoto and Ise.
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.
Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).
Kyoto is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party 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.
Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.
Ise is a city with good options for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ise. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.
Kyoto is not a beach destination.
Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ise does not have a historic old town.
The rich history of Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. 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.
Ise does not have a historic old town.
Kyoto is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.
Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.
Kyoto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.
Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.
Kyoto is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
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.
Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.
Kyoto is well known for students. However, Ise 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.
Ise is not popular with students.
Kyoto is well known for its public transit. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Kyoto has some very good public transit options. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.
While Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.
Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.
For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Ise Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Ise. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Ise. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.
Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Ise. 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 Ise. 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 Ise 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.
With nightlife and food around the fascinating destination of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
In Ise, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this overlooked destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
Many people visit Kyoto for a weekend. With food and shopping around the cultural city of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. 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.
The destination of Kyoto offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Five days 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.
Ise is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Ise. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Kyoto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
You'll find food and shopping around the overlooked destination of Ise. 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $96, while the average daily cost in Ise is $89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kyoto and Ise in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Ise? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
Prices for flights to both Ise and Kyoto change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto and Ise, 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 Ise Expensive?.
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Ise, 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.
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Ise and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Ise this time of year.
Kyoto is around the same temperature as Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Ise and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Kyoto is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.
Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Ise. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ise can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In January, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Ise during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Ise. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Ise. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches during these months.
Kyoto is around the same temperature as Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the spring, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ise. Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ise. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kyoto | Ise | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
May | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |