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

Should you visit Yokohama or Sado?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Sado, 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 bright, colorful, and under-rated city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Yokohama and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Sado are both popular with visitors, Yokohama has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yokohama is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Sado is known for its hiking. Yokohama is more touristy than Sado and is known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Yokohama different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Yokohama and Sado have very good 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 Sado. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

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

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).

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Yokohama or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Yokohama has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Yokohama or Sado Better for Hiking?

Sado is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Sado?

Yokohama is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Yokohama or Sado Better for Families?

Yokohama is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Yokohama or Sado Better for Couples?

Yokohama is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

Yokohama is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Yokohama or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Sado are good 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.

Sado is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Yokohama or Sado Better for Students?

Yokohama is a popular place for students. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is notable for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Yokohama can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Yokohama or Sado a more walkable city?

Yokohama is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Yokohama is very walkable. 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.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Sado?

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

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

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 island of Sado offers museums and food. 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 Sado?

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.

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

Five days in Yokohama or Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bright 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.

Sado 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 Sado?

The bright 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.

Sado is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Yokohama or Sado?

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 Sado in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Sado. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Yokohama is around the same temperature as Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Sado during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sado 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 Sado. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Sado. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Yokohama is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yokohama in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Sado. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets more rain in October than Sado. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sado in the winter. In January, Yokohama is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 6°C (42°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Yokohama usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Sado. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Yokohama during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

Yokohama is a little warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Sado. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 April than Sado. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sado and Yokohama