Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Nagoya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nagoya or Yakushima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nagoya or Yakushima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Nagoya or Yakushima?
Nagoya
Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!
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 Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Nagoya Prices
Japan PricesYakushima Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNagoya $105Yakushima $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $105, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $132. 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 Nagoya and Yakushima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagoya $45Yakushima $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagoya $90Yakushima $114
Compare Hotels in Nagoya and Yakushima
Looking for a hotel in Nagoya or Yakushima? 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.
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: Nagoya Hotel Prices and Yakushima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagoya $11Yakushima $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya
Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Nagoya ⇆ Chubu Centrair Airport (NGO) Private Transfer: $67
- Private Transfer Chubu Centrair Airport NGO to Nagoya City: $75
- Nagoya Airport (NGO) Private City Transfer: $80
- Nagoya International Airport to Nagoya city Private Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $120
- Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
- Downtown Nagoya Private Transfer To or From Ghibli Park: $145
- Private Airport Transfer: Nagoya City → Chubu Airport (NGO): $169
- LEGOLAND Japan Resort Ticket with Private Transfer: $212
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Toyama Port: $224
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Port: $272
Is it cheaper to fly into Nagoya or Yakushima?
Prices for flights to both Yakushima and Nagoya 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
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Food Meals for one dayNagoya $46Yakushima $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Homemade Udon and Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class in Nagoya: $71
- Cruise-Friendly Food Tour at Kinjo Pier: $93
- Grandma's Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Nagoya: $97
- Nagoya Castle Neighborhood Walk: Local Supermarket & Food Tour: $97
- Nagoya local Food Cooking Class with Grandma and Matcha Ceremony: $97
- Private Nagoya-Style Japanese Cooking Class in Kasugai with Akiko: $110
- Nagoya Super Market Tour & Home Cooking Class with a Local, Akiko: $119
- Cooking Experience in Gamagori Onigiri and Sushi with Hotel Chef: $143
- From Soba Cooking Class & Nakasendo Traditions: $190
- Japanese-French Fusion Dinner & Cocktail with Nagoya Views: $226
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nagoya $13Yakushima $20
Tours and Activities in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Obara Shikizakura and Korankei Light-up 1Day Bus Tour From Nagoya: $6.47
- Popular Kamikochi Scenic Hiking 1 Day Bus Tour from Nagoya: $9.70
- Shirakawa-go from Takayama/Nagoya One day Bus ticket: $22
- Nagoya Castle Tour: Discover History & Culture with a Local Guide: $26
- Hida Takayama from Nagoya Bus ticket Oneway: $26
- SEA LIFE Nagoya Aquarium Admission Ticket: $30
- Cartoon experience course for travelers: $32
- Ramen Making Experience in Nagoya: $36
- Tokugawa Garden and Nagoya Castle Samurai Heritage Tour: $36
- Shirakawago and Takayama Bus Tour from Nagoya: $43
- Authentic Udon Making Experience at Taishoan Kamaharu: $45
- English-Guided Jogging Tour of the City (2 hours): $47
Tours and Activities in Yakushima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yakushima are as follows:
- Kagoshima Bar Hopping Tour in Yakushima: $124
- Kagoshima Sushi Making Experience in Yakushima: $62
- Private Guided Tour: $309
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNagoya $12Yakushima $6.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:
- Aichi (Okazaki): Haccho Miso Brewery Tour and Lunch: $91
- Yamada Shuzo Sake Brewery Visit with Tasting: $130
- Tokoname Pottery and Fermentation Sake Brewery & Artisan Pottery: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagoya and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. And not only is Nagoya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagoya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagoya 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 Nagoya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagoya Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nagoya or Yakushima?
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 Nagoya or Yakushima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Yakushima. The summer months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 27°C (80°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagoya usually gets more rain in July than Yakushima. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNagoya 27°C (80°F)Yakushima 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Yakushima in the Autumn?
Both Yakushima and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.
Nagoya is cooler than Yakushima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In October, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNagoya 18°C (64°F)Yakushima 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Yakushima in the Winter?
Both Yakushima and Nagoya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagoya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagoya. In the winter, Nagoya is much colder than Yakushima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagoya in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Yakushima averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nagoya usually gets less rain in January than Yakushima. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNagoya 4°C (40°F)Yakushima 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Yakushima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Yakushima. Many visitors come to Nagoya in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Nagoya is generally cooler than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 14°C (58°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNagoya 14°C (58°F)Yakushima 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Yakushima and Nagoya
| Nagoya | Yakushima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 288 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.