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

Should you visit Tokyo or San Francisco?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or San Francisco? 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 eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Tokyo and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or San Francisco?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is very popular for its theatre productions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tokyo attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. San Francisco is more touristy than Tokyo and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Tokyo is famous for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks.

How is Tokyo different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both San Francisco 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 San Francisco that are not to be missed. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Tokyo and San Francisco.

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.

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Tokyo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Music?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for 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.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is great for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is considered a top beach destination. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is renowned for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or San Francisco?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and San Francisco both offer plenty of fantastic 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.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tokyo or San Francisco.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and San Francisco make for a very good 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Tokyo is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

Tokyo and San Francisco both offer fantastic 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 San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Is Tokyo or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its 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.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or San Francisco?

Both Tokyo and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Tokyo or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this outdoorsy big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. In San Francisco, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or San Francisco?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tokyo is a little warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Tokyo is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Tokyo is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as San Francisco. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Tokyo