A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tanah Rata vs. Tokyo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Tokyo?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Tokyo? 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: Tanah Rata or Tokyo?

Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Tanah Rata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tanah Rata and Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $67
    Tokyo $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $134
    Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Tokyo? 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.

Hotels in Tanah Rata


Hotels in Tokyo


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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $29
    Tokyo $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $221
  • Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $122
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $278
  • Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $76
  • From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $88
  • From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
  • Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
  • Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
  • Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $107
  • Haneda Airport (HND) to/from Tokyo 23 Ward Private Transfer: $107
  • Haneda Airport (HND): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Tokyo: $165
  • Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to/from Fuji Area: $407

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo and Tanah Rata 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tanah Rata $44
    Tokyo $37
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.66
  • Dessert
    $0.63
  • Lunch
    $3.98
  • Afternoon tea
    $3.88

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.22
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.22
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
  • Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
  • Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
  • Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $34
    Tokyo $68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata

Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tea Factory Visit
    $5.66
  • Tour of Orang Asli Village
    $21

Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata

Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
  • Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
  • Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
  • Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
  • Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $19
    Tokyo $33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190


When comparing the travel costs between Tanah Rata and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 1190 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Tanah Rata during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Tokyo. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Tokyo. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)