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Tokyo vs Kyoto: which is better, and when to go
Tokyo is at its best in October and Kyoto in October. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Tokyo and Kyoto
At a glance
| Tokyo | Kyoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | October (9/10) | October (7.5/10) |
| Warmest month | August, 31°C | August, 34°C |
| Coolest month | January, 10°C | January, 9°C |
| Quietest month | January (Very Low) | February (Low) |
| Busiest month | April (Very High) | November (High) |
| Cheapest month | January ($$) | February ($$) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Tokyo for
- a gentler warmest month (August highs around 31°C, against 34°C)
- a calmer peak month
Little difference between them in: how cold the coolest month gets, crowds across the year, prices across the year, events through the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Tokyo | Kyoto | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C · Very Low · $$ | 9°C · Low · $$ | Tokyo |
| February | 11°C · Low · $$ | 10°C · Low · $$ | Close |
| March | 14°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | 14°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | Tokyo |
| April | 19°C · Very High · $$$$$ | 20°C · High · $$$$$ | Close |
| May | 24°C · Moderate · $$$ | 25°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Tokyo |
| June | 26°C · Low · $$ | 28°C · Moderate · $$$ | Kyoto |
| July | 30°C · Moderate · $$$ | 32°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Kyoto |
| August | 31°C · High · $$$$ | 34°C · Moderate · $$$$ | Kyoto |
| September | 28°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | 29°C · Moderate · $$$ | Close |
| October | 22°C · Moderate · $$$ | 23°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | Tokyo |
| November | 17°C · Moderate · $$$ | 17°C · High · $$$$$ | Tokyo |
| December | 12°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | 12°C · Moderate · $$$ | Tokyo |
FAQ
Tokyo or Kyoto?
Is Tokyo or Kyoto better?
Both are at their best in October, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo and Kyoto?
Tokyo: October. Kyoto: October.
Which is cheaper, Tokyo or Kyoto?
Prices are similar across the year. Check each month for the difference.
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