A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Longsheng vs. Kyoto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Longsheng or Kyoto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Longsheng and Kyoto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Longsheng or Kyoto?

Longsheng

A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Longsheng?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Longsheng Prices
    China Prices
    Kyoto Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Longsheng $105
    Kyoto $118

The average daily cost (per person) in Longsheng is $105, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Longsheng and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Longsheng $21
    Kyoto $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Longsheng $42
    Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Longsheng and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Longsheng or Kyoto? 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.

Hotels in Longsheng


Hotels in Kyoto


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Longsheng $42
    Kyoto $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
  • Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
  • Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $130
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $70
  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Longsheng or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Longsheng 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Longsheng $61
    Kyoto $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
  • Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
  • Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $68
  • Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $71
  • Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
  • Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
  • Kyoto Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking Class near Fushimiinari: $82
  • Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide: $82
  • Kyoto Food Tour – 12 Dishes & 3 Drinks: $85
  • Food Tour at 4 Eateries: $85
  • Private Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto with Michiyo: $86
  • Japanese 'Bento' cooking class in Kyoto: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Longsheng $8.51
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
  • Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $137
  • 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
  • 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
  • 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
  • 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
  • 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
  • 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people): $184
  • 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Longsheng $8.01
    Kyoto $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
  • Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227


When comparing the travel costs between Longsheng and Kyoto, 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 Longsheng Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Longsheng or Kyoto?

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 Longsheng or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Longsheng as well as Kyoto. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Longsheng is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Longsheng averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Longsheng receives a lot of rain in the summer. Longsheng usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Longsheng gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Longsheng 30°C (86°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Longsheng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Longsheng is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Longsheng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Longsheng usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Longsheng gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Longsheng 23°C (73°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Longsheng during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In January, Longsheng is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Longsheng average around 10°C (49°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Longsheng usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Longsheng gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Longsheng 10°C (49°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Longsheng and Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Longsheng is a little warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Longsheng averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Longsheng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Longsheng usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Longsheng gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Longsheng 20°C (68°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Longsheng

Longsheng Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)