A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Tokyo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Lombok or Tokyo?

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 Lombok and Tokyo. 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.

Lombok

Lombok is a cultural, stunning, and peaceful island. Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lombok travel costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Tokyo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See Tokyo travel costs.

Lombok and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Tokyo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo. Although Lombok and Tokyo are both popular with visitors, Tokyo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tokyo is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lombok is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lombok is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple.

How is Lombok different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tokyo and Lombok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lombok or Tokyo?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

Is the Food Better in Lombok or Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Dining out in Lombok is an experience not to be missed. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

People head to Tokyo just to party. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Lombok is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Lombok is not a live music destination.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Resorts?

Lombok is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Lombok is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Lombok a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Beaches?

Lombok is renowned for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lombok. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Hiking?

Lombok is great for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Tokyo?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Is Lombok or Tokyo More Beautiful?

Lombok is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Tokyo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Couples?

Lombok is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Lombok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lombok, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Students?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lombok is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Lombok is not popular with students.

Is Lombok or Tokyo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Tokyo can get you around easily. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Lombok or Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

For even more information, also check out Is Lombok Worth Visiting? and Is Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Tokyo?

Both Lombok and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lombok than in Tokyo. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Lombok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lombok than Tokyo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lombok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Lombok 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 Tokyo.

One day in Lombok or Tokyo?

In Lombok, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lombok or Tokyo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tokyo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lombok or Tokyo?

Lombok is a fun place to experience. In Lombok, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lombok or Tokyo?

In Lombok, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cultural destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one week exploring.

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Lombok.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lombok Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Lombok is May to September.

Should I visit Lombok or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lombok is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lombok is much warmer than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Lombok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lombok or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Tokyo. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lombok is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Lombok