A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yokohama vs. Ise for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yokohama or Ise?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Ise, 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.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a laid-back, diverse, and bright city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Yokohama and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Ise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama than Ise. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Yokohama is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Ise attracts visitors for its beaches. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown. Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Yokohama different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yokohama is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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 Yokohama or Ise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yokohama and Ise.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Ise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Yokohama or Ise Better for Nightlife?

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

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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 Yokohama or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Ise has a beach worth visiting. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Ise?

Yokohama is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Yokohama is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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 Yokohama or Ise Better for Families?

Yokohama is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Yokohama is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Ise offers lots of family activities. 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 Yokohama or Ise Better for Couples?

Yokohama is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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 Yokohama or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Ise are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Ise is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Yokohama or Ise Better for Students?

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

Yokohama is popular with students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Ise is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is well known for its public transit. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Yokohama has some very good public transit options. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

While Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Yokohama or Ise a more walkable city?

Yokohama is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Yokohama is a very walkable city. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Ise?

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

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

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Ise?

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The city of Ise offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Ise?

Many people visit Yokohama for a weekend. When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ise, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Ise?

The big city destination of Yokohama offers shopping and museums. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Ise?

Yokohama, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Ise?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama 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.

When is the best time to visit Yokohama or Ise?

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 Yokohama or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Ise during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In July, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Ise. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Yokohama during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Yokohama is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Ise. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets more rain in October than Ise. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Ise. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ise can be very cold during winter. Yokohama is a little warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ise during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Ise. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Ise. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches.

In the spring, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yokohama in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Yokohama often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yokohama usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ise. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ise and Yokohama