A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Yokohama for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Yokohama? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a bright, colorful, and under-rated city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Yokohama travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama than Yogyakarta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Yokohama is very popular for its big city activities, while Yogyakarta attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yogyakarta different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Yogyakarta is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Yokohama? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Yokohama.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Yokohama is an experience not to be missed. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yogyakarta and Yokohama.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is well known for its historic old town. However, Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Yogyakarta to see the historical old town. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Yogyakarta is terrific for shopping. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for Couples?

Yokohama is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Yokohama makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for Students?

Both Yogyakarta and Yokohama are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Yokohama is popular with students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yokohama is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Yokohama has some very good public transit options. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Yokohama a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Yokohama is a very walkable city. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yogyakarta or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yogyakarta than Yokohama because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Yokohama 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yokohama, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Yogyakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yogyakarta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Yokohama, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Yokohama is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Yokohama?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Yokohama, 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.