Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Nikko?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nikko 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 Nikko 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: Nikko or Yakushima?
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNikko $82Yakushima $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $82, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $116. 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 Nikko and Yakushima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNikko $46Yakushima $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNikko $92Yakushima $118
Compare Hotels in Nikko and Yakushima
Looking for a hotel in Nikko 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: Nikko Hotel Prices and Yakushima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nikko -Yakushima $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $262
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $262
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $627
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $627
Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Yakushima?
Prices for flights to both Yakushima and Nikko 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 dayNikko $31Yakushima $28
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nikko $21Yakushima $20
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.26
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji--Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $77
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $139
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $145
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $231
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $485
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $485
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $553
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $614
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNikko $15Yakushima $6.38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nikko Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nikko 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 Nikko or Yakushima in the Summer?
Both Yakushima and Nikko during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nikko is around the same temperature as Yakushima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Yakushima averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets less rain in July than Yakushima. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 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 JulyNikko 25°C (77°F)Yakushima 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Yakushima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Yakushima. Many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Nikko is generally cooler than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nikko usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 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 OctoberNikko 16°C (61°F)Yakushima 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Yakushima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Yakushima. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nikko can be very cold during winter. Nikko is much colder than Yakushima in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Yakushima. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 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 JanuaryNikko 3°C (37°F)Yakushima 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Yakushima in the Spring?
Both Yakushima and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Nikko is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Yakushima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In April, Nikko usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 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 AprilNikko 13°C (55°F)Yakushima 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Yakushima and Nikko
| Nikko | Yakushima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 288 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.