Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Yakushima. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima?
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
Yakushima
Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesYakushima Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Yakushima $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $141. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cheju (Jeju) and Yakushima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Yakushima $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Yakushima $122
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Yakushima
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yakushima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Yakushima $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima?
Prices for flights to both Yakushima and Cheju (Jeju) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCheju (Jeju) $29Yakushima $50
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Yakushima $21
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Tours and Activities in Yakushima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yakushima are as follows:
- Private Guided Tour: $336
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Yakushima $6.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Yakushima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yakushima than you might in Cheju (Jeju).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima?
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 Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Yakushima.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Yakushima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Yakushima averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Yakushima 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Yakushima.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally cooler than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Yakushima. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Yakushima 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima in the Winter?
Both Yakushima and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Yakushima in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Yakushima 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yakushima in the Spring?
Both Yakushima and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Yakushima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Yakushima. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Yakushima 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Yakushima and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Yakushima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 288 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.