Kyoto vs. Tokyo: Where to Vacation in Japan

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Japan, you’ve probably asked yourself the following questions: Should I go to Kyoto or Tokyo? Is one city better than the other? Which one should I spend more time in?

Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun and each has their merits. So, it’s no wonder you’re trying to figure out which one is right for you. Well, we can help! Keep on reading for a deep dive on the accommodations, attractions and affordability of these two incredible cities.

• Geography and climate
• Language
• Transportation
• Accommodations
• Attractions and nightlife
• Currency and affordability

Tokyo and Kyoto are located on Honshu, the largest of Japan’s four main islands. As such, both have a subtropical climate that is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. But the geographical similarities basically end there.

Since the two cities are located in different regions — Tokyo is further northeast in Kanto while Kyoto is further southwest in Kansai — you’ll experience different cultures, etiquettes and cuisines in each (more on that later).

It’s also worth noting that these two destinations vary greatly in size. Spread across 2,194km² and divided into 23 wards, Tokyo is huge compared to Kyoto; the latter covers just 828km² and is only divided into 11 wards. In other word: you’ll likely need more time to fully explore the capital city. 

Get your language books and translation apps ready! Visiting Tokyo and Kyoto is easier if you have these tools on hand — and know a few Japanese words and phrases. At the very least, we recommend learning the following before arriving in the country so that you can better communicate and navigate:

• Konnichiwa – Hello
• Kudasai – Please
• Arigatou – Thank you
• Sumimasen – Excuse me/sorry
• Hai – Yes
• Iie – No

While English isn’t widely spoken in this part of the world, there are locals (including hotel staff) that know the language and will be able to assist you. In other words: don’t let the fear of a lost-in-translation moment keep you from planning a trip to Japan. This is a great destination to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.

It’s not difficult to travel to Tokyo or Kyoto, but getting to the latter does take a bit more effort. That’s because, unlike Tokyo, Kyoto doesn’t have an international airport. So, those who want to stay in Kyoto will need to fly into Osaka and then either rent a car or hop on a train to reach their final destination. Flying into Tokyo and then taking the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto is also an option.

Speaking of trains! Both Tokyo and Kyoto have convenient public transit systems that include subways and buses. Or you can walk from place to place instead. Both destinations are relatively flat and therefore possible to navigate on foot, but Kyoto is considered to be more walkable since it’s smaller and more compact than Tokyo.

Feel like venturing beyond the city limits? Both destinations are well positioned for day trips. From Tokyo, you can easily get to Hakone (near the base of Mount Fuji), Nikko and Kamakura. Meanwhile, Kyoto is well connected to Himeji, Nara, Uji and Kobe.

Pro tip: Depending on how many day trips you’re planning on doing, you might want to purchase a Japan Rail Pass.

From capsule, onsen and budget hotels to 5-star retreats, travellers are spoiled for choice in both Tokyo and Kyoto. Broadly speaking, Tokyo’s accommodations are more modern while Kyoto’s are more traditional — but you’ll find all sorts of options no matter which city you’re in.

Here are a few of our top picks: 

• The Gate Hotel Tokyo: There are many reasons to love The Gate Hotel, not least of which is its central location in the Chiyoda City ward — it’s mere steps from the Ginza shopping and entertainment district.
• Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya: Despite being located next to one of the world’s busiest and most photographed intersections, rooms at the Hotel Indigo offer a quiet respite.
• Prostyle Ryokan Asakusa: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and the Shitamachi (“lower town”) lifestyle at this beautiful ryokan.

Neither Tokyo nor Kyoto could ever be described as boring, as both are steeped in Japan’s history and cultural heritage, have diverse food scenes, and offer some truly unique attractions.

Still, there are some key differences you should know about before deciding which city to visit:

Do you thrive in bustling metropolises or do you prefer exploring quieter towns and neighbourhoods? As previously mentioned, Tokyo is a big city compared to Kyoto — and this factor will definitely impact the vibe of your vacation.

If you like skyscrapers, bright lights and navigating streets that are crowded with a million people, Tokyo is the place to be; the capital city is modern and fast-paced. If you’d rather slow down and immerse yourself in Japanese culture, we recommend visiting Kyoto.

Both Tokyo and Kyoto offer travellers a chance to discover traditional Japan attractions, including temples, palaces and museums — but it’s worth noting that there’s more opportunity for this in Kyoto. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto was largely spared from the destruction of World War II, and many of its historical sites and buildings (including the Golden Pavilion) are well-preserved and open to the public.

That’s not to say there’s no history in Tokyo… you just need to know where to look! Ueno Park, Asakusa and Yanaka are all great options.

Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase. Whether you travel to Tokyo or Kyoto, there’s a good chance you’ll spend some time shopping. While Tokyo boasts some truly incredible shopping districts (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Ginza) where you can browse for big-name brands and local labels, Kyoto is better for buying handmade Japanese goods and crafts.

You’ll eat well regardless of whether you visit Tokyo or Kyoto. From markets bursting with street food vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants, both cities have truly delicious culinary scenes. That said, Kyoto’s food is more traditional — think kaiseki (multi-course set meals) and tea ceremonies — while Tokyo’s food is more innovative and diverse. Many restaurants in the latter even have quirky themes!

The same can be said about each city’s bars and live music venues. In Tokyo, you’ll find high-end cocktail lounges, karaoke bars and nightclubs. In contrast, Kyoto’s nightlife is more subdue (but just as fun). 

Since Tokyo and Kyoto are both located in Japan, you’ll need to trade your dollars for yen regardless of which city you decide to visit. It’s as simple as that!

Now, onto the more complicated question of affordability. Determining whether Tokyo or Kyoto is more expensive for travellers isn’t super straightforward. On the one hand, Tokyo is larger and more frequented by tourists — which can drive up prices for hotels, restaurants and attractions. But the city also boasts more diverse options that can cater to all sorts of travel styles and budgets. Kyoto, on the other hand, is generally considered to be cheaper… but it is still possible to splurge there (particularly if you visit during the busy cherry blossom season).

No need to worry! Flight Centre’s Travel Experts can help you plan an unforgettable Japan vacation no matter how much you have to spend. Plus, they’re always keen to share their money-saving tips and tricks.

Feel like you have a good sense of which city wins in the Kyoto vs. Tokyo debate? Check out our latest deals or get in touch to start planning your Japan vacation today.