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

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Should you visit Tokyo or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Kobe? 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

Which city is cheaper, Kobe 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 Kobe is $117. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $86
    Kobe $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $172
    Kobe $136
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Kobe? 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 Kobe


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 Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $22
    Kobe $15
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:

  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Car: $401
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $302
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $299
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $299
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Car: $290
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan: $284
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $267
  • Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $249
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Business Car: $236
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Van: $236
  • Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $185
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $174
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $150
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $150
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport: Private Transfer to/from Kobe City: $149
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $142
  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport: $139
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $96
  • Private Departure Transfer Kobe City to Kobe International Airport: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
    Kobe $34
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
    Kobe $26

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
  • Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
  • Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
  • Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
  • Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
  • Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
  • Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
  • Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
  • Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
  • Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
  • Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
  • Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $161
  • 1-Day Kobe and Arima Onsen Private Custom Tour from Osaka by Chartered Vehicle: $831
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef: $126
  • 5 Hours of Hiking in Kobe and Mindful Tea Ceremony Experience in Nature: $302
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $246
  • KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $429
  • Kobe 1-Day Private Walking Highlights Tour: $369
  • Kobe Custom Full Day Tour: $236
  • Kobe Custom Half Day Tour: $136
  • Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $129
  • Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $37
    Kobe $9.67
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

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


  • Sake
    $4.42

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • Private Tour: Visit Nada Sake Brewery from Kobe: $566

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 26°C (78°F) in July, and Kobe stays around 27°C (80°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Kobe. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.

In the autumn, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October are around 18°C (64°F), and Kobe is about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kobe 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 Kobe. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Kobe. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In January, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Kobe stays around 5°C (42°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Tokyo or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Kobe. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kobe in the spring. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 14°C (58°F) in April, and Kobe stays around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Tokyo

Tokyo Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)


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Tokyo vs. Kobe Travel Comparison

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