A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Kyoto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Tokyo different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Kyoto 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 Kyoto that are not to be missed. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

Tokyo is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for Music?

Tokyo is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo 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.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Kyoto?

Tokyo is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for Families?

Tokyo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better for Students?

Tokyo is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Tokyo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Tokyo and Kyoto are terrific 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 Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Kyoto?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Kyoto. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Kyoto. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Kyoto.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Kyoto. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Kyoto 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 Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Kyoto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Kyoto?

Tokyo is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kyoto. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Kyoto. 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, 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Kyoto?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Kyoto, 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 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. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Kyoto fluctuates 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.

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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates 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.

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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

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 average around 5°C (42°F), and Kyoto averages at 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.

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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Kyoto fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Tokyo