A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Miami?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Miami? 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 cutting edge, high tech, and high energy 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Tokyo and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Miami?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Miami than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is better known for its resorts and beaches, while Tokyo is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Tokyo and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks.

How is Tokyo different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Tokyo and Miami.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is world-class in both Tokyo and Miami.

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.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Music?

Tokyo and Miami are both destinations where visitors can find world-class live music.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is renowned for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Miami?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Miami both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. 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.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Families?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Miami make for a great 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.

Miami is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Miami 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.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Tokyo or Miami Better for Students?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. 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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Tokyo is top-notch. 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.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Tokyo or Miami a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Tokyo on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Miami is a very walkable city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Miami?

Both Tokyo and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Tokyo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tokyo than Miami. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Miami. 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 Miami. 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 Miami 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 Miami?

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 Miami, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach 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 Miami?

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 Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Tokyo or Miami?

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.

Miami is a fun place to experience. In Miami, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Miami?

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.

In Miami, many people enjoy the live music and food that this diverse big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Miami is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami than you might in Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Miami?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Miami. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Miami. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets less rain in July than Miami. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Tokyo is generally cooler than Miami. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Miami. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Tokyo is much colder than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Miami. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Miami. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Miami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Miami. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tokyo is much colder than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Miami during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Miami. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Miami and Tokyo