A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yichang vs. Kyoto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yichang or Kyoto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yichang or Kyoto, 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: Yichang or Kyoto?

Yichang

Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.

Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Yichang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yichang is $74, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Yichang and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yichang $25
    Kyoto $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yichang $50
    Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Yichang and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Yichang 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.

Hotels in Yichang


Hotels in Kyoto


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yichang $14
    Kyoto $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yichang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yichang:

  • Private transfer from Yichang to Zhangjiajie: $290
  • Yichang Airport Transfer Service, Yichang train station Pick up: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
  • Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
  • Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260

Is it cheaper to fly into Yichang or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Yichang 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
    Yichang $38
    Kyoto $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
  • Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
  • 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
  • Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
  • Dinner with Maiko: $62
  • Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
  • Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
  • Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
  • Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
  • Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yichang $18
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Yichang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yichang are as follows:

  • Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53
  • Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
  • From 5-Day Yangtze River Cruise to Chongqing: $679
  • Yichang - Chongqing Yangtze Miracle Luxury 5D4N Cruise: $720
  • From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $993

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.42
  • Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.57
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $7.99
  • Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
  • Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Kyoto Tower Entry Ticket: $12
  • Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
  • Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
  • Kyoto Arashiyama Easy Walk Tour : $18
  • Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 3-Hour Guided Tour: $20
  • Kyoto Railway Museum Advance Tickets: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yichang $14
    Kyoto $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
  • Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
  • Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yichang and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Yichang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yichang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yichang 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 Yichang.

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


Which is Bigger, Yichang or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yichang. When comparing the sizes of Yichang 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 Yichang 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 Yichang or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yichang and Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Yichang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Yichang usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Yichang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yichang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yichang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Yichang gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yichang 29°C (85°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Yichang or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yichang as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Yichang is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Yichang average around 20°C (67°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Yichang often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Yichang gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Yichang usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Yichang gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yichang 20°C (67°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Yichang or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Yichang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Yichang is a little warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Yichang averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Yichang usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Yichang gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Yichang usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Yichang gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yichang 6°C (43°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Yichang or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Yichang during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Yichang is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yichang in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Yichang often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Yichang gets 129 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. Yichang usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Yichang gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yichang 18°C (65°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Yichang

Yichang Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 229 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)