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

Should you visit Kyoto or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Kyoto and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or San Francisco?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is more popular for its theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its historical sights. San Francisco is more touristy than Kyoto and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Kyoto different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its theatre productions. However, Kyoto is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Kyoto is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or San Francisco 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 San Francisco has a few options to choose from. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great destination for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or San Francisco?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods 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.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and San Francisco are high quality places to visit 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco Better for Students?

Kyoto and San Francisco 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 San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

San Francisco has a great public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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.

Is Kyoto or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or San Francisco?

Both Kyoto and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Kyoto. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Kyoto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Francisco, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Kyoto or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kyoto. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Kyoto. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or San Francisco?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco 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 San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kyoto is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and San Francisco. 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In October, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or San Francisco in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. Kyoto is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kyoto is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Kyoto