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

Should you visit Kyoto or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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 historic, cultural, and fascinating city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Seattle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Kyoto different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kyoto on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a 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 Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Kyoto is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle 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 Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Seattle?

Kyoto is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Families?

Kyoto is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kyoto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Couples?

Kyoto is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Kyoto or Seattle Better for Students?

Kyoto and Seattle 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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Kyoto is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Kyoto or Seattle a more walkable city?

Kyoto is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Seattle?

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

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

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 Seattle has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Seattle?

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 shopping and museums around the outdoorsy big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Seattle?

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

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.

Should I visit Kyoto or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Seattle. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kyoto is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Seattle. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Seattle. 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. Additionally, 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 Seattle this time of year.

In October, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. Kyoto is cooler than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Seattle. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Kyoto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kyoto is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Kyoto