Comparison · Seoul vs Tokyo · South Korea / Japan
Seoul vs Tokyo
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Eunmi Park, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and lower day-to-day costs; choose Tokyo for Shibuya Crossing, Sushi and ramen, beaches and a milder winter. Seoul is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,149 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,149 km
- Less expensive
- Seoul
- Best time for Seoul
- April–May and September–November
- Best time for Tokyo
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Seoul | Tokyo | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | Japan |
| Known for | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and K-pop and K-beauty | Shibuya Crossing, Sushi and ramen and Temples and shrines |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–November | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 6 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $150–$280 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | August, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | January, 10°C (50°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | Yuigahama, Kamakura |
| Airports | ICN, GMP | HND, NRT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Seoul for…
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and lower day-to-day costs. Seoul spreads along both banks of the Han River, with the Joseon-dynasty palaces, hanok lanes and markets of Jongno in the old city north of the river and the towers of Gangnam to the south. A fast, inexpensive subway connects everything, and the city's food…
Choose Tokyo for…
Shibuya Crossing, Sushi and ramen, beaches and a milder winter. Tokyo is less a single city than a cluster of distinct centres linked by an exceptionally efficient rail network: neon-lit Shinjuku and Shibuya, the department stores of Ginza, the temple quarter of Asakusa, the museums of Ueno and the anime shops of…
Top sights compared
| # | Seoul | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gyeongbokgung Palace | Senso-ji Temple |
| 2 | Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden | Meiji Jingu Shrine |
| 3 | Bukchon Hanok Village | Shibuya Crossing |
| 4 | N Seoul Tower and Namsan | Shibuya Sky |
| 5 | Gwangjang Market | Tokyo Skytree |
Food compared
| Seoul | Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Korean barbecue | Sushi |
| Bibimbap | Ramen |
| Kimchi stew | Tsukemen |
| Tteokbokki | Tempura |
Which is cheaper?
Seoul is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 per person there, against $150–$280 in Tokyo (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Seoul on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,149 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 12 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Seoul or Tokyo cheaper?
Seoul is usually less expensive: about $120–$230 a day mid-range against $150–$280 (estimates).
+Is Seoul or Tokyo better for a first trip?
Pick Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and lower day-to-day costs, or Tokyo for Shibuya Crossing, Sushi and ramen, beaches and a milder winter.
+How far is Seoul from Tokyo?
About 1,149 km in a straight line.