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

Should you visit Guangzhou or Ise?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Ise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Ise?

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Ise is $89. 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 Guangzhou and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $57
    Ise $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $114
    Ise $84
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou


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.
    Guangzhou $14
    Ise $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Guangzhou 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
    Guangzhou $19
    Ise $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Ise $5.83

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

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

  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Ise $4.52


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Ise, we can see that Ise 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 Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Ise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Ise?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 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 Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Ise. Guangzhou gets 192 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. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Ise. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ise can be very cold. Guangzhou is much warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Ise during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Ise. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Ise. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Ise. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)