Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. 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 Yangshuo and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Kyoto? 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.
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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Kyoto $7.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Chubu Centrair Airport to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $553
- Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
- Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Yangshuo 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
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Food Meals for one dayYangshuo $19Kyoto $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $40
- Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $41
- Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $60
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $62
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $63
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $66
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Tour to learn Chinese cuisine in Yangshuo group: $37
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $47
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Gullin: Li River Cruise with Pickup and Yangshuo: $65
- Private Half-Day Bike and Bamboo Raft Tour in Yangshuo: $80
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- Xingping Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
- Yangshuo Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $149
- "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
- 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $169
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $38
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $568
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $32
- 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $116
- 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $126
- 3 Hour Private Bar Hopping Experience at Kyoto City: $39
- 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $84
- 3-Hour Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Fushimi Kyoto: $105
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Kyoto $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $80
- Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $83
- Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $97
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $153
- Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $181
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $189
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
- Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $435
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto than you might in Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Kyoto, 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 Yangshuo or Kyoto?
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 Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Kyoto. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.