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

Should you visit Tokyo or Boston?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Boston? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tokyo and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Boston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is better known for its theatre productions, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Tokyo is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Tokyo different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Boston and Tokyo.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for its shows and theatre. However, Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Music?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

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.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Boston?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tokyo does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Tokyo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Tokyo does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Tokyo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tokyo or Boston.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Couples?

Tokyo is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Boston 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.

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Tokyo or Boston Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and Boston are amazing places to visit.

Many students frequent 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.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

Tokyo and Boston both offer amazing public transit to get you around.

Tokyo has a great 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 in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Tokyo or Boston a more walkable city?

Tokyo and Boston are amazing when it comes to 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.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Boston?

In either Tokyo or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than Boston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Boston. 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 Boston 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 Boston?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Boston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this classic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Boston?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a fun place to experience. In Boston, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Boston?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the classic big city of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Boston?

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

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tokyo is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Boston. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Boston. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In October, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 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 Boston. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Boston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. Tokyo is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

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

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tokyo is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Boston. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Tokyo