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

Should you visit Kyoto or Quepos?

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 Quepos 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Kyoto is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Kyoto travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a laid-back, relaxed, and local town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Kyoto and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Quepos?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kyoto. Although Kyoto and Quepos are both popular with visitors, Kyoto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kyoto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Quepos is known for its resorts and beaches. Kyoto is more touristy than Quepos and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji. Quepos is popular for its big game sport fishing.

How is Kyoto different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

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

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.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Quepos 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 Quepos has a few options to choose from. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Quepos is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Quepos offers a few options. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Quepos. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Quepos does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kyoto is revered around 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.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Quepos?

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

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Kyoto or Quepos More Beautiful?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kyoto is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Quepos are superb 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 Quepos. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Quepos are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Quepos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Quepos. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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.

Is Kyoto or Quepos Better for Students?

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

Kyoto is very popular with students. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Quepos is not popular with students.

Is Kyoto or Quepos 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, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Kyoto can get you to most places 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 Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Kyoto or Quepos a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Kyoto or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quepos 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 Quepos.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Quepos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this local destination offers. This town 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 Quepos?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Kyoto or Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kyoto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Quepos. 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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Quepos?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Quepos. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

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

In the summer, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Quepos. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Kyoto is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Quepos. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.

Should I visit Kyoto or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Kyoto is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Quepos. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Kyoto is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Quepos. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Kyoto