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

Should you visit Yokohama or Kobe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Kobe, 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 diverse, bright, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kobe

Kobe is a subdued, under-rated, and multicultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yokohama and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Kobe?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yokohama than Kobe. Yokohama is bigger than Kobe, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yokohama is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Yokohama different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kobe 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 Kobe?

Yokohama is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Is the Food Better in Yokohama or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Kobe has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Yokohama or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Kobe?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kobe and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kobe is well-known for its shopping. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Yokohama or Kobe Better for Families?

Yokohama is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Yokohama is very family-friendly. 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Yokohama or Kobe Better for Couples?

Yokohama is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Yokohama is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Yokohama or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Kobe are notable 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.

Kobe is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Yokohama or Kobe Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kobe is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Kobe is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Yokohama. 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.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Yokohama or Kobe a more walkable city?

Yokohama is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. 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.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yokohama or Kobe to fill your time. In our opinion, Yokohama has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yokohama than Kobe. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Kobe. 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 Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

Yokohama is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Kobe 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 Kobe?

Yokohama is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kobe 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 Kobe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Kobe?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Yokohama. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kobe 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 Kobe?

The laid-back city of Yokohama offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Kobe 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 Kobe, we can see that Yokohama is more expensive. And not only is Kobe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kobe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kobe 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 Kobe.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Kobe?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Yokohama or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Yokohama during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Yokohama is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 25°C (78°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Kobe. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Kobe. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Kobe. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yokohama in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Yokohama often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Yokohama usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In April, Yokohama is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 14°C (58°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during spring. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In April, Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Yokohama