A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Yokohama for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Shanghai or Yokohama?

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 Shanghai and Yokohama. 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan, professional, and diverse port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a diverse, bright, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Yokohama?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Yokohama. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Yokohama attracts visitors for its nightlife. Shanghai is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Shanghai different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Yokohama?

Shanghai is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Shanghai that are not to be missed. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Yokohama? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Shanghai or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Yokohama has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Yokohama?

Shanghai is terrific for shopping. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Shanghai or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Yokohama is very family-friendly. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Shanghai or Yokohama Better for Couples?

Shanghai is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Yokohama is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Is Shanghai or Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Yokohama is a good port city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Shanghai or Yokohama Better for Students?

Shanghai is well known for students. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Is Shanghai or Yokohama Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Shanghai and Yokohama offer great public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

The public transit in Yokohama can get you to most places easily. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

Is Shanghai or Yokohama a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Yokohama both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Shanghai or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Shanghai than Yokohama because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Yokohama 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 Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Yokohama?

Shanghai 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.

The city of Yokohama offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Yokohama?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Yokohama is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yokohama, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Yokohama?

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

Yokohama is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Yokohama?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Yokohama is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Yokohama, we can see that Yokohama 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Yokohama Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Yokohama?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Yokohama. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Yokohama, 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 Shanghai or Yokohama?

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 Shanghai or Yokohama in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Yokohama. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Yokohama. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Yokohama in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Yokohama. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Yokohama in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Yokohama fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Yokohama. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Yokohama in the Winter?

Both Yokohama and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is cooler than Yokohama. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Yokohama averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Yokohama during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Yokohama. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Yokohama in the Spring?

Both Yokohama and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Yokohama for the activities around the city.

In April, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Yokohama. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 161 hours of full sun.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Yokohama. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Shanghai