Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Okinawa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Okinawa or Yakushima?
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 Okinawa and Yakushima. 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: Okinawa or Yakushima?
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOkinawa $104Yakushima $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Okinawa is $104, 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 Okinawa and Yakushima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOkinawa $72Yakushima $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOkinawa $144Yakushima $118
Compare Hotels in Okinawa and Yakushima
Looking for a hotel in Okinawa 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: Yakushima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Okinawa $9.32Yakushima $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Naha hotels to Okinawa Naha Airport (ОКА) - Departure Transfer: $59
- Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port : $59
- Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha hotels - Arrival Transfer: $59
- Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port : $65
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha City Hotels : $65
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $93
- Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha Hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $117
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Okinawa or Yakushima?
Prices for flights to both Yakushima and Okinawa 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 dayOkinawa $23Yakushima $28
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Okinawa $14Yakushima $20
Tours and Activities in Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $13
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $36
- Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $39
- Jungle River Trek: private tour in Yanbaru, north Okinawa: $42
- Okinawa Hot spot walk and local food ＆ beer tour(All include): $46
- North Okinawa Bus Day Tour Manzamo Kouri Island Ocean Expo Park American Village: $58
- Mangrove Kayak ＆ Sea Fishing Experience in Okinawa: $58
- Sakaemachi Market Bar Hopping Tour: $58
- Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $66
- 2-Hour Private Gorilla Go Kart Experience in Okinawa: $68
- Kerama Islands 1 day snorkeling tour from Okinawa Naha: $73
- Sushi Making Experience Class in Naha Makishi Public Market: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOkinawa $14Yakushima $6.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Okinawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Okinawa:
- Naha Local Pub Crawl: $110
When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima 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 Okinawa Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Okinawa 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 Okinawa or Yakushima in the Summer?
Both Yakushima and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
In July, Okinawa is generally around the same temperature as Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In July, Okinawa usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOkinawa 29°C (84°F)Yakushima 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Okinawa or Yakushima in the Autumn?
Both Yakushima and Okinawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Okinawa is a little warmer than Yakushima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Yakushima. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOkinawa 25°C (77°F)Yakushima 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Okinawa or Yakushima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Yakushima. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Okinawa is a little warmer than Yakushima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Yakushima averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the winter. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOkinawa 16°C (61°F)Yakushima 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Okinawa or Yakushima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Yakushima. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Okinawa usually gets less rain in April than Yakushima. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOkinawa 22°C (71°F)Yakushima 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Yakushima and Okinawa
| Okinawa | Yakushima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 288 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.