A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Ise?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Ise. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Ise?

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise or Cheju (Jeju)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Ise is $110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cheju (Jeju) and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
    Ise $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
    Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Ise? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


Hotels in Ise


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Ise $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Cheju (Jeju) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $29
    Ise $43
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
    Ise $6.04

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
  • Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
  • Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
  • Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
  • Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
  • Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59

Tours and Activities in Ise

Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
  • Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
  • Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
  • Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
  • Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
  • Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
    Ise $4.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).

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


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Ise?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 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 Cheju (Jeju). In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Cheju (Jeju) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Ise. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 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. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Ise. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Ise during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Ise. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Ise. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Ise. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)