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

Should you visit Tokyo or Baltimore?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Baltimore? 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 iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Baltimore, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Tokyo different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Tokyo just to party. 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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore Better for Music?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Baltimore?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore Better for Families?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Tokyo is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Tokyo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Baltimore are good 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.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore Better for Students?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Tokyo can get you around easily. 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Tokyo or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Baltimore. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city 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.

A weekend in Tokyo or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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.

Five days in Tokyo or Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Baltimore. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Baltimore?

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 vibrant destination of Baltimore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Baltimore?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Baltimore. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Baltimore can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Baltimore. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city.

In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Tokyo