A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tokyo or Ise?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Ise? 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: Tokyo or Ise?

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.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

Which city is cheaper, Ise or Tokyo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $183, while the average daily cost in Ise is $100. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $86
    Ise $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $172
    Ise $94
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Ise? 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 Tokyo


Hotels in Ise


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $22
    Ise $49
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:


  • Metro from Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by Luxury Van: $187
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by Minivan: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $302
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan: $284
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $25
  • Japan Private Airport Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport (HND): $97
  • Japan Private Airport Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport(NRT): $182
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tokyo to Narita International Airport (NRT): $121
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $78
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Haneda Airport: $144
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $267
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo City Center to Tokyo Disneyland: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $43
    Ise $27
Typical Food prices in Tokyo

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


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.89
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.89
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
  • Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
  • Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
  • West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
  • Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
  • Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
  • Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
  • Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
  • 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tokyo $80
    Ise $6.58

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Samurai Spots in Tokyo Virtual Tour: $8.26
  • Tokyo Tower: Admission Ticket: $11
  • 1-Hour River Cruise Asakusa to Odaiba: $11
  • Japanese Snacks You Should Try: Online Experience by Local Guide: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Japan: the bathing and Sento experience: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Ghibli Spots in Japan: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Tokyo Highlights: $12
  • Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku with a Local Expert: $14
  • Virtual Tour to Discover Mount Fuji: $14
  • Online Japanese Archery Experience: $15
  • Tokyo Online Tour All in One, With 10+ Top Sights!: $15
  • Thermae-Yu Hotspring in Shinjuku Entrance Ticket: $21

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $123
  • Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $98
  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
  • Private Tour - Wonder at the Spirituality of Shinto's Sacred Sites in Ise: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $37
    Ise $5.10
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

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


  • Sake
    $4.42

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Ise, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Ise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ise 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 Ise.


When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Ise?

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 Ise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Ise. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Ise stays around 26°C (79°F).

In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Ise. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Ise in the autumn. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 18°C (64°F) in October, and Ise stays around 17°C (63°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Ise during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Ise. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. In the winter, Tokyo is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January are around 5°C (42°F), and Ise is about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ise. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Ise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Ise. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Ise stays around 13°C (56°F).

Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ise during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Ise. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Tokyo

Tokyo Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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Tokyo vs. Ise Travel Comparison

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