A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yamaguchi vs. Yakushima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Yakushima?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Yakushima, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Yamaguchi or Yakushima?

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi, Japan is the capital city of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, located on the Western tip of Honshu, Japan. During medieval times, Yamaguchi City flourished and was essentially the capital of Japan when Kyoto was demolished by the Onin war. After 1551, the city lost this standing, although evidence of its precious prosperity can be found in the architecture and even in the planning of the city.

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

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.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yamaguchi Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Yamaguchi or Yakushima?

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 Yamaguchi or Yakushima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Yakushima. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Yamaguchi is generally around the same temperature as Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 26°C (79°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in July than Yakushima. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Yakushima in the Autumn?

Both Yakushima and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Yamaguchi is cooler than Yakushima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In October, Yamaguchi usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Yakushima in the Winter?

Both Yakushima and Yamaguchi during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Yamaguchi is much colder than Yakushima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yamaguchi in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Yakushima averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in January than Yakushima. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Yakushima in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Yakushima. The natural beauty are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year.

In April, Yamaguchi is generally cooler than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 14°C (57°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yamaguchi usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Yamaguchi