A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Ise for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Ise?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Ise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Ise travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Ise?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yogyakarta than Ise. Yogyakarta is bigger than Ise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Ise is more popular for its beaches. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Ise and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Yogyakarta different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ise and Yogyakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Ise?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Ise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Ise.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Ise is an experience not to be missed. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is a popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Ise is a good option for a beach vacation. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is well known for its old town. However, Ise does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Ise does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Ise?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Yogyakarta make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Ise.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Yogyakarta and Ise make for a notable place to visit.

Yogyakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yogyakarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for students. However, Ise is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Ise is not popular with students.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ise is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Ise has some public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Ise a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta and Ise are notable when it comes to walkability.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yogyakarta and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta than in Ise. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Ise 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Ise?

With nightlife and food around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With museums and food around the authentic city of Ise, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ise, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Ise?

Many people visit Yogyakarta for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historical city of Yogyakarta, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ise, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Ise?

The destination of Yogyakarta offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Ise, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Ise?

Yogyakarta, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Ise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Ise?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Ise, 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.