Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko?
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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $74Nikko $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $74, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $88. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $47Nikko $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $94Nikko $100
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko? 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.
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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $11Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
- Private Tour in West Jeju Island with Transfer : $122
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $689
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $271
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $271
- Private Transfer to/from Narita Airport (NRT): $689
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
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Food Meals for one dayCheju (Jeju) $18Nikko $33
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.63
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.47
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: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.66Nikko $23
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
- 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
- 2Days Limousine Taxi Tour with Experienced driver in jeju island: $170
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $150
- 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
- 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
- Beautiful Jeju Island Private UNESCO day Tour : $85
- Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $115
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $90
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.43
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Theme Park Early-bird Ticket Tochigi: $59
- World Heritage Nikko 1-Day Walking Tour from Tokyo or Nikko: $65
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $84
- THE TOUR From NIKKO STATION (LOCAL GUIDE): $107
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $156
- Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $156
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $157
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $172
- Autumn Exclusive 1-Day Nikko World Heritage Tour from Shinjuku: $187
- 【Tokyo】 Group Bus Tour: $192
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $275
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.35Nikko $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Nikko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Nikko. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Nikko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Nikko. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Nikko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.