A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a idyllic, tropical, and pristine archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a relaxing, natural, and beautiful national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both popular with visitors, Yaeyama Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also home to Nishihama Beach. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Yaeyama Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai have decent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Yaeyama Islands offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

While most people don't head to Chichibu-Tama-Kai specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yaeyama Islands is a archipelago with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Yaeyama Islands. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Yaeyama Islands is a archipelago with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Yaeyama Islands has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands is a world class resort vacation destination. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Yaeyama Islands is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Yaeyama Islands is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, and they are very good.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are very good family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very family-friendly. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yaeyama Islands than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

Families should spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Yaeyama Islands, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Yaeyama Islands that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai than Yaeyama Islands 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Yaeyama Islands, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The peaceful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxurious archipelago of Yaeyama Islands, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the luxurious destination of Yaeyama Islands, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Yaeyama Islands is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in July than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Yaeyama Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. In January, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 18°C (64°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring for the natural beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Yaeyama Islands