A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Ise for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Ise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Ise can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Beijing travel costs.

Ise

Ise is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and overlooked city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Ise travel costs.

Beijing and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Ise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Ise, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ise is known for its beaches. Beijing is more touristy than Ise and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Ise is popular for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Beijing different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Ise?

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Ise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Beijing is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is a city with good options for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ise. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Ise?

Beijing is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Beijing is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Beijing or Ise More Beautiful?

Beijing is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Ise are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Ise are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Ise is a nice destination for couples. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Students?

Beijing is well known for students. However, Ise is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Ise is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Ise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is well known for its public transit. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Beijing has some very good public transit options. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

While Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Beijing or Ise a more walkable city?

Ise is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Ise. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Ise 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Ise?

When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ise, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Ise?

Many people visit Beijing for a weekend. When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Ise, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ise has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Ise?

When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ise is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Ise?

Beijing, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ise. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Ise?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Ise, 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 Beijing or Ise?

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 Beijing or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Ise. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the shopping scene.

Beijing is cooler than Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Ise. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Ise. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ise can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Ise during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Ise. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Ise. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches during these months.

In April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Ise. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ise and Beijing