A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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 vibrant, iconic, and eclectic 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Tokyo and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tokyo is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its hiking. Tokyo is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Tokyo different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Tokyo from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Tokyo is a world class party destination. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Music?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Tokyo. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very kid-friendly city. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Students?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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 generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its high level of 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable city. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tokyo than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Tokyo, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, many people enjoy the that this peaceful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Tokyo, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Tokyo, people usually allow for lots of time. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find around the relaxing destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. Tokyo is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Tokyo