A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yokohama vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Yokohama or Kyoto?

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

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

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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yokohama and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Kyoto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kyoto than Yokohama. While Yokohama is larger than Kyoto, Kyoto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kyoto is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Yokohama attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Kyoto is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Yokohama different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kyoto that are not to be missed. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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.

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

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

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).

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Yokohama or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Yokohama know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Yokohama or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its historic old town. However, Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Kyoto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Yokohama or Kyoto Better for Families?

Yokohama is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kyoto 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Yokohama or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Kyoto has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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.

Is Yokohama or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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

Is Yokohama or Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is well known for students. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Kyoto is a great city to visit as a student. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Yokohama and Kyoto.

Public transit in Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Kyoto has some very good public transit options. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Yokohama or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is terrific for its walkability. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Kyoto?

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

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Yokohama has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kyoto 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Kyoto?

Yokohama is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Yokohama. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful big city of Yokohama. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kyoto, we can see that Yokohama is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Kyoto?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama 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 Yokohama 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 Yokohama or Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto 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 Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In July, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto 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. Furthermore, 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, Yokohama is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kyoto in the Winter?

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

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

Yokohama usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Kyoto. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yokohama usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kyoto. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Yokohama