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

Should you visit Yokohama or Okinawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Okinawa, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a serene, idyllic, and tropical archipelago. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Yokohama and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Okinawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Okinawa than Yokohama. While Yokohama is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Okinawa is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Yokohama is more popular for its shopping and big city activities. Okinawa is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Yokohama different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Yokohama and Okinawa have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

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

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).

Okinawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Okinawa.

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.

Many people head to Okinawa for the nightlife scene. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is well known for its resorts. However, Yokohama is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Yokohama is not a resort destination.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Okinawa specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is terrific for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Okinawa are among the best in the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Okinawa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Okinawa?

Yokohama is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Yokohama. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Families?

Yokohama and Okinawa are both world-class destinations for the whole family.

Yokohama is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Okinawa is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Couples?

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

Okinawa has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Okinawa 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.

Okinawa is a good city to visit for backpackers. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for students. However, Okinawa is not popular with students.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Okinawa is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Yokohama can get you to most places easily. 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.

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Yokohama or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable city. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Okinawa?

Both Yokohama and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Yokohama. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yokohama than Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Okinawa?

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yokohama has to offer.

Okinawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Okinawa?

Yokohama is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Okinawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yokohama. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. This archipelago 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 Okinawa, we can see that Yokohama is more expensive. And not only is Okinawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Okinawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Okinawa 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 Okinawa.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Okinawa?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Okinawa. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Yokohama is generally cooler than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 25°C (78°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Okinawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Okinawa. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Yokohama is cooler than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Yokohama is much colder than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yokohama in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Yokohama usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa and Yokohama during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In April, Yokohama is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 14°C (58°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In the spring, Yokohama often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

Okinawa 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 April than Okinawa. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Yokohama