A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Tokyo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Tokyo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Tokyo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a traditional, quiet, and calm island. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Tokyo travel costs.

Saaremaa and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo. Although Saaremaa and Tokyo are popular destinations, Tokyo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tokyo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Tokyo is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tokyo and Saaremaa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Tokyo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Tokyo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Saaremaa and Tokyo.

With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Tokyo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Tokyo are both very good to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Tokyo are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Tokyo is a good island to visit for backpackers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Students?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a great destination for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Tokyo is top-notch. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Both Saaremaa and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Saaremaa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Saaremaa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Saaremaa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tokyo.

One day in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Tokyo is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa is in Europe and Tokyo is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Tokyo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Saaremaa or Tokyo?

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 Saaremaa or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saaremaa is much colder than Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Tokyo. The winter months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Tokyo. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Saaremaa