Is Kyoto Expensive?

Is Kyoto expensive to visit?

Kyoto is a frequently visited and budget-friendly place to visit. With a daily average travel cost of $109, it's somewhat less expensive than most other destinations in the world. When compared to the rest of Asia, it is a moderately priced destination. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Bangkok and Xi'an.

Eikando Temple, Kyoto, Japan

How expensive is Kyoto?

The average cost of traveling to Kyoto can vary widely based on many factors, but our calculations based on previous travlers show that the average daily cost is $109 (U.S. Dollars). Your travel style, accommodation preferences, dining choices, and trip duration can alter your individual budget, as you can find a wide array of accommodation, food, and entertainment options available for your visit. Sticking to mid-range hotels, affordable restaurants, and public transit when available can keep your costs close to this calculated average. See more travel costs for Kyoto here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Kyoto?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a weekend trip to Kyoto will cost around $328 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a weekend trip would cost $656.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Kyoto?

On average, a one week trip to Kyoto costs about $765 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,530.

Is it expensive to backpack in Kyoto?

Kyoto is a popular backpacker destination with more than 30 hostels. Dorm beds in hostels cost, on average, $22 per night. (See hostel prices in Kyoto here.) You'll find quite a range in prices here, too. The most expensive beds are priced around $42 and the cheapest around $11 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Kyoto.

• $18 for a dorm bed at Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
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• $27 for a dorm bed at Kyoto Hana Hostel
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• $19 for a dorm bed at Len Kyoto
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Are hotels expensive in Kyoto?

Considering our analysis of hotel prices in Kyoto, it becomes apparent that they are fairly even and moderately priced in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, you can expect to spend around $101 per night for a hotel room. The city is home to approximately 5 five-star hotels, presenting an average rate of $613 per night. For a balanced choice catering to both comfort and cost-effectiveness, three-star hotels provide an average rate of $118 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more budget-friendly alternative at $66 per night.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Kyoto?

Activities and things to do in Kyoto can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $13 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is less than the country's average of $19.

• Private car tour in Kyoto (up to 4): $285
• Shamisen Experience in Kyoto 【Private】: $95
• Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour: $57
• Private Kyoto Tour by Car with Optional Nara or Osaka Add-Ons: $190
• Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour: $60
• Gion Night Tour Stories of Geisha and Maiko: $35
• Kyoto Traditional Mochi Pounding Experience with Tasting: $33
• Beautiful Photography Tour in Kyoto: $95

Is food expensive in Kyoto?

Food in Kyoto can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $40 on food per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $48. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

• Near Fushimiinari: Kyoto Home Cooking Class & Supermarket tour: $120
• Ramen Gyoza Onigiri Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto: $89
• Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $82
• Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
• Private Ramen or Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto with Chef Midori: $169
• Kyoto:Exclusive Maiko & Geisha Show with Dinner, Games & Open Bar: $159

Is transportation expensive in Kyoto?

The prices of local transportation in Kyoto can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $7 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $17. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Kyoto

If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, Japan, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.