A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Ise?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Ise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dalian or Ise?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Ise, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Dalian or Ise?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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 Dalian or Ise?

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 Dalian or Ise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Ise. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Ise. Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene.

Dalian is cooler than Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Ise. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dalian or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Ise. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Ise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Ise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches.

In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Ise. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Ise. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ise and Dalian