A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto. Although Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto are popular destinations, Kyoto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kyoto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Kyoto is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kyoto makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kyoto. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is renowned for its resorts. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is renowned for the beache. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its historic old town. However, Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Yaeyama Islands. 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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

Kyoto is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kyoto is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto 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, Kyoto is very family-friendly. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a well-known place for students. However, Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

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

Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Kyoto can move around easily with public transportation. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is terrific for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

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.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than in Kyoto. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Kyoto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this pristine destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This archipelago 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.

The traditional destination of Kyoto offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

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

The city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Kyoto?

Yaeyama Islands is a fun place to experience. In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical destination of Yaeyama Islands. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Kyoto Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto?

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 Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Kyoto. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yaeyama Islands is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Yaeyama Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yaeyama Islands usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Kyoto. The autumn months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In October, Yaeyama Islands is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 26°C (78°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In January, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Yaeyama Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kyoto. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Yaeyama Islands