A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Matsue vs. Yakushima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Matsue or Yakushima?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Yakushima 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.

Where Should I go: Matsue or Yakushima?

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Yakushima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yakushima than you might in Matsue.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Matsue Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Matsue or Yakushima?

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 Matsue or Yakushima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Yakushima. Many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Yakushima in the summer. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Matsue usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Matsue or Yakushima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Yakushima. Many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Matsue is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Matsue in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Yakushima averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue usually gets less rain in October than Yakushima. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Yakushima in the Winter?

Both Yakushima and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. In January, Matsue is generally much colder than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 4°C (39°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. It's quite rainy in Matsue. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Matsue or Yakushima in the Spring?

Both Yakushima and Matsue during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.

Matsue is cooler than Yakushima in the spring. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets less rain in April than Yakushima. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Matsue