Differences
Between Tokyo and Kyoto
In recent decades, the title of one of the most popular
cultures worldwide should be definitely given to Japan. Millions of people all
over the world study the Japanese language, watch dorama(dramatic TV
series on all kinds of topics) or animation, read and write haiku, and make pen
pals with Japanese people. Countless people buy tickets and fly to the country
of the rising sun to see its wonders with their own eyes.
Among the most popular destinations—mostly because these
city names are most known to the western public—are Tokyo and Kyoto. And
perhaps for an inexperienced traveler, there is a dilemma: where to go? Mostly,
people know that Tokyo is a mega city of the future, and Kyoto has more to do
with ancient culture, traditions, and so on. Basically it is true, but at the
same time, there also exist more subtle differences one should consider when
choosing their destination point in Japan.
The first of them is prices. Tokyo is expensive—as you might
expect from the capital of the most urbanized country in the world (the prices
below are listed in Japanese yen: 1 USD approximately equals 100 yen). So, to
grab some inexpensive snack in Tokyo would cost around 850 yen. Having a
three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, in case you travel
with your spouse, will cost you 5,230 yen. A one-way ticket on Tokyo
transport costs you 190 yen, and renting one room apartment outside of the city
center costs 77,853 yen (and this is probably a weekly price). Just do not
expect this apartment to be big and cozy; most likely it will be tiny, with
basic utilities, and with no central heating (actually, there is no such thing
in Japan at all—everyone warms their house up on their own). If you think of
buying an apartment in Tokyo, forget it—one square meter of a room outside of
the city center is around 1 million yen (double the price if you want to live
closer to the city center).
Kyoto is not much cheaper. Although dining in a restaurant
is cheaper—only 4,000 yen for two persons in a mid-range
restaurant—transportation costs are surprisingly higher: 235 yen for a ride
(however, if you want to purchase a monthly pass, it is cheaper to do in Kyoto
rather than in Tokyo: 8,410 yen compared to 10,000 yen). If you think you can
save some money buying food in a market, you are correct only in particulars: some
products in Japan cost a lot of money no matter where you buy them. For
example, white rice costs 850 yen for 1 kg in Kyoto (453 yen in Tokyo). White
bread, tomatoes, chicken breasts, and especially cheese—these are the most
expensive products both in Kyoto and in Tokyo. Speaking of accommodation,
renting or buying an apartment in Kyoto is much cheaper: for a one room
apartment outside of Kyoto’s center, you must pay 48,000 yen to rent, or
300,000 yen per square meter if you want to buy it (Numbeo.com).
Tokyo is great to visit if you enjoy hustle and bustle, if
you want to feel the heartbeat of a mega-city, dive into its life, and
experience all those crazy things people in the West usually tell about Japan.
Be prepared for the overcrowded subway— and “overcrowded” is a gentle way to
put it; in fact, you can take a 60-minute ride in the subway, and your
feet will not even touch the floor, because you will be squeezed between other
people so tight that you can even take a nap in this position. Kyoto, on
the other hand, is good to visit for all those who feel inspired by traditional
Japanese culture: haiku, hanami, court customs, the No theater, and so on. In
Kyoto, you will not see amazing skyscrapers, over 280 subway stations, and the
craziness of the famous Shibuya crossing; instead, get prepared for temples,
tea houses, museums: all things antique and authentic. But, if you want
modernity, go to Tokyo, and you will not feel disappointed—this city already
lives in the future (Go Overseas).
It is difficult to say which city is better for an
inexperienced tourist to visit, Tokyo or Kyoto. Kyoto is cheaper, especially in terms of
renting an apartment, and is more suitable for those looking for the old
Japanese culture weaved into sophisticated palaces made during Heian-jidai.
Tokyo, on the contrary, is an enormous metropolis, with crazy prices, crazy
transportation, crazy everything. The atmospheres are different, but both of
the cities will make you awed, so if you have a chance, you should definitely
visit them.
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