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

Should you visit Kyoto or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kyoto and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto. Although Kyoto and Phoenix are roughly the same size, Kyoto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kyoto is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is known for its hiking. Kyoto is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Kyoto different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Kyoto is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Phoenix 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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Phoenix?

Kyoto is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for Families?

Kyoto is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kyoto. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix Better for Students?

Kyoto is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix 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, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Kyoto or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Phoenix. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Phoenix. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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.

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back 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.

A weekend in Kyoto or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

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

A week in Kyoto or Phoenix?

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 laid back destination of Phoenix. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Phoenix?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Kyoto is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Phoenix. 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 Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Kyoto is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 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 Phoenix. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Kyoto is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Kyoto is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Kyoto