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

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Should you visit Tokyo or Kyoto?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

Which city is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto is $97. 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 Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $86
    Kyoto $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $172
    Kyoto $116
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto


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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $22
    Kyoto $9.83
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • KIX Airport Transfers (to or from KYOTO) by Minivan Toyota HIACE 2019: $430
  • KIX Airport Transfers (to or from KYOTO) by Toyota ALPHARD 2019: $430
  • One-Way Private Transfer Between Kyoto and Mount Koya: $406
  • KIX Airport to Kyoto Center Arashiyama door to door Private Transfer Alphard: $393
  • KIX Airport Transfers (to or from KYOTO) by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018: $376
  • Private Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $364
  • Private Transfer to/from Chubu Centrair Airport: $359
  • Osaka ITM Airport to Kyoto Center door to door Private Transfer 6 seats Alphard: $334
  • Osaka Private Transfer from Itami Airport (ITM) to central Osaka: $314
  • Departure Private Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX by Minivan: $209
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $148
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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
    Kyoto $28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Online Cooking Experience ～ Vegan Taco rice!! ～ high protein and low carbohydrate: $35
  • Nishiki Market Breakfast Walking Food Tour: $43
  • Private Japanese Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $60
  • Authentic Seasonal Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with a Charming Local in Kyoto: $62
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $70
  • Kyoto Cooking Class: $74
  • Sushi or Obanzai Cooking and Matcha with a Kyoto Native in her Home: $74
  • Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto: $76
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local in a Beautiful Wooden House in Kyoto: $78
  • Ramen Cooking class: $81
  • Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto: $83
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tokyo $80
    Kyoto $18

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 Kyoto

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

  • (Day Time) Fushimi Inari & Nara Highlights Tour: $113
  • (Early Bird) Fushimi Inari & Nara Highlights Tour: $113
  • 1 Day Character Private Kyoto Tour - English Speaking Driver: $776
  • 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $162
  • 1-Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe (with Halal Meals): $125
  • 1-Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour (Round-trip from Kyoto): $379
  • 1-Day Kyoto Cherry Blossom Tour: $118
  • 1-Day Kyoto Private Custom Tour from Osaka by Chartered Vehicle: $831
  • 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $62
  • 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour: $393
  • 12-Hour Sightseeing Trip from Osaka/Kyoto to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe: $94
  • 2-Hour KENDO Experience in Kyoto: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $37
    Kyoto $14
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 Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kyoto Small-Group Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $61
  • Sake Brewery Tour: $81
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $93
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $191
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $193
  • Fushimi Private One Day tour/ Sake brewery & Geisha lunch: $1,210

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Kyoto. 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 Kyoto. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Kyoto stays around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the autumn. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 18°C (64°F) in October, and Kyoto stays around 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Tokyo or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the winter. In the winter, Tokyo is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January are around 5°C (42°F), and Kyoto is about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tokyo or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Kyoto. 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 Kyoto. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Kyoto stays around 14°C (58°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Tokyo

Tokyo Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 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. Kyoto Travel Comparison

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