Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Yangshuo?
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 Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Yangshuo Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $86Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Yangshuo and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $26Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $52Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $43Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Yangshuo 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 dayYangshuo $33Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
- Dinner with Maiko: $62
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $24Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $158
- Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $138
- Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
- 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
- 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $34Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto than you might in Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Kyoto, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Yangshuo or Kyoto?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Kyoto. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.