A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Nikko for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

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 Nikko. 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a rural, historic, and cultural town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Yaeyama Islands and Nikko are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nikko is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Yaeyama Islands is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Yaeyama Islands is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Nikko 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 Nikko that are not to be missed. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan 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 Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Nikko 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, Nikko makes for a great culinary experience. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Yaeyama Islands is a archipelago with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Nikko Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a resort destination.


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

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Yaeyama Islands is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

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

Nikko has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.


Is Yaeyama Islands or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Hiking trails can be found around both Yaeyama Islands and Nikko, 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 Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Nikko is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nikko is a great destination for shopping. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Nikko Better for Families?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Both Yaeyama Islands and Nikko 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, Nikko is very family-friendly. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.


Is Yaeyama Islands or Nikko Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Yaeyama Islands and Nikko 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.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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 Nikko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

Nikko 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 Nikko can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands
Nikko

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

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Yaeyama Islands or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yaeyama Islands 3-5 
    Nikko 1-4

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this luxurious 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.

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

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.

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Nikko?

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.

Nikko 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 town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

You'll find nightlife and food around the pristine 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.

Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Yaeyama Islands?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yaeyama Islands is $94, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yaeyama Islands and Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yaeyama Islands $54
    Nikko $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yaeyama Islands $108
    Nikko $94
Compare Hotels in Yaeyama Islands and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Yaeyama Islands or Nikko? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Yaeyama Islands


Hotels in Nikko


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices and Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yaeyama Islands $19
    Nikko -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $266
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $266

Is it cheaper to fly into Yaeyama Islands or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko and Yaeyama Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yaeyama Islands $29
    Nikko $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yaeyama Islands $8.73
    Nikko $22

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $61
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji--Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $79
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $142
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $149
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $236

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yaeyama Islands $6.36
    Nikko $15


When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Nikko, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Nikko Expensive?.



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

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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Nikko. 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 Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. In the summer, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yaeyama Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nikko. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko 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, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Nikko. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko 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 Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 18°C (64°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Nikko. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during spring. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Nikko. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 19°C (65°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 126 mm (5 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 231 mm (9.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 203 mm (8 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 179 mm (7 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 229 mm (9 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)


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