A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Anchorage? 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Tokyo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Tokyo travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come to Anchorage because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Anchorage travel costs.

Tokyo and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tokyo than Anchorage. Tokyo is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tokyo is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Tokyo different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Tokyo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Tokyo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Music?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is a world class music destination. 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.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is renowned for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Anchorage?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Tokyo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Anchorage because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

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 Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Families?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tokyo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Anchorage make for a excellent place to visit.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Anchorage are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. 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.

Anchorage is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage Better for Students?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular city 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. 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 quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Tokyo or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Tokyo 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Anchorage 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 Tokyo or Anchorage?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tokyo or Anchorage?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Tokyo or Anchorage?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Anchorage?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the artsy destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Anchorage?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Anchorage, 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 Tokyo or Anchorage?

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 Tokyo or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tokyo is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In October, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Anchorage. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. Tokyo is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the spring, Tokyo is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Tokyo