A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yangshuo vs. Tokyo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yangshuo or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Yangshuo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yangshuo $26
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yangshuo $52
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Tokyo? 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.

Hotels in Yangshuo


Hotels in Tokyo


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yangshuo $43
    Tokyo $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo

Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
  • Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
  • From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
  • From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $805
  • One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
  • Shuttle Van Tour Tokyo for 4 Hours or 6 Hours+Transfer Time: $368
  • Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
  • Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $296
  • Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND by Sedan Car: $291
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $289
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $286
  • Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan Car: $274
  • Private Departure Transfer : Tokyo Disney Resort to Narita International Airport: $272
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yangshuo $33
    Tokyo $67

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

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
  • Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
  • Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
  • Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
  • For First Time Visitor:Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
  • Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
  • Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
  • Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
  • Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
  • Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
  • Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
  • Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yangshuo $24
    Tokyo $71

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.

  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
  • Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
  • 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
  • 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
  • 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
  • All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
  • Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
  • Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
  • Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
  • From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
  • From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
  • From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $102
  • Knife Sharpening Experience in Tokyo : $23
  • Kyu-Yasuda, Kiyosumi and Hama-Rikyu Tokyo Garden Tour: $159
  • Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $114
  • Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
  • Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
  • Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
  • Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $102
  • Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $277
  • Shinjuku Mini Ramen Tour: Shoyu, Tonkotsu & Miso: $98
  • Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $184
  • Akihabara Otaku Tour - 1.5h Guided Shopping: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yangshuo $34
    Tokyo $34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.06

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:

  • Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
  • Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
  • Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
  • From Tokyo:Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 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 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 Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

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 Yangshuo or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yangshuo in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Yangshuo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In October, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 23°C (73°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Tokyo. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Yangshuo is much warmer than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Tokyo. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yangshuo in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Tokyo. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Yangshuo

Yangshuo Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)