A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Tokyo or New York City?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or New York City? 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 vibrant, iconic, and eclectic 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. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tokyo and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or New York City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New York City than Tokyo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New York City is better known for its theatre productions and christmas markets, while Tokyo is more popular for its impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Tokyo and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks.

How is Tokyo different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both New York City 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 New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Tokyo and New York City.

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.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Tokyo and New York City.

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.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Music?

Tokyo and New York City are both destinations where visitors can find amazing 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.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or New York City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and New York City both offer plenty of amazing 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.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tokyo does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, New York City is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Tokyo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Tokyo does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Tokyo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Families?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tokyo is very family-friendly. 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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Tokyo or New York City Better for Couples?

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

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City 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 New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and New York City are amazing places to visit.

Many students frequent 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.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

Tokyo and New York City both offer amazing public transit to get you around.

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.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is Tokyo or New York City a more walkable city?

Tokyo and New York City are amazing 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 New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or New York City?

Both Tokyo and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Tokyo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than New York City. 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 New York City than Tokyo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Tokyo 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 New York City.

One day in Tokyo or New York City?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In New York City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this energetic big city offers. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. 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 New York City?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a fun place to experience. In New York City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or New York City?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In New York City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant big city offers. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or New York City?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of New York City. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and New York City. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than New York City. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as New York City. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In October, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than New York City. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. Tokyo is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than New York City. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tokyo is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than New York City. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Tokyo