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

Should you visit Guangzhou or Yakushima?

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 Yakushima can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Yakushima?

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.

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Yakushima 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 Yakushima is $116. 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 Yakushima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $57
    Yakushima $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $114
    Yakushima $118
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Yakushima

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Yakushima? 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 Yakushima


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: Yakushima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Yakushima $49

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 Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
  • Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Yakushima?

Prices for flights to both Yakushima 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
    Yakushima $28

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
    Yakushima $20

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Yakushima $6.38


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

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



When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Yakushima?

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 Yakushima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Yakushima.

In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Yakushima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Yakushima averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Yakushima 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Yakushima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Yakushima.

In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Yakushima. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Yakushima 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Yakushima in the Winter?

Both Yakushima and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Guangzhou is a little warmer than Yakushima in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Yakushima 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Yakushima in the Spring?

Both Yakushima and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Yakushima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Yakushima averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in April than Yakushima. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Yakushima 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Yakushima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 288 mm (11.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 352 mm (13.9 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 253 mm (10 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)