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

Should you visit Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands?

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

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

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands 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, nightlife, and food.

Yokohama and Yaeyama Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Yaeyama Islands are both popular with visitors, Yokohama has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yokohama is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Yaeyama Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Yokohama is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

Yokohama offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its resorts. However, Yokohama is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands offers an unforgettable resort vacation.

Yokohama is not a resort destination.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Yaeyama Islands to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Yaeyama Islands are among the best in the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands?

Yokohama is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Families?

Yokohama is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Yaeyama Islands is very family-friendly. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Couples?

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

Yaeyama Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for students. However, Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago 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 mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago 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.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable city. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

Should I spend more time in Yaeyama Islands or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands?

In either Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Yokohama because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 3-5 days is enough time in Yaeyama Islands.

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

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

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands offers nightlife 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Yokohama is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yaeyama Islands, 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yokohama. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 archipelago offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

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

Yokohama is cooler than Yaeyama Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Yokohama is cooler than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yokohama in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Yokohama is generally much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 6°C (42°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Yokohama usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In January, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

Yokohama is much colder than Yaeyama Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the spring, Yokohama often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Yaeyama Islands. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Yokohama