A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guilin vs. Yamaguchi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Yamaguchi?

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 Guilin and Yamaguchi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Yamaguchi?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi, Japan is the capital city of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, located on the Western tip of Honshu, Japan. During medieval times, Yamaguchi City flourished and was essentially the capital of Japan when Kyoto was demolished by the Onin war. After 1551, the city lost this standing, although evidence of its precious prosperity can be found in the architecture and even in the planning of the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yamaguchi or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Yamaguchi is $80. 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 Guilin and Yamaguchi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $34
    Yamaguchi $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $68
    Yamaguchi $92
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Yamaguchi

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Yamaguchi? 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 Guilin


Hotels in Yamaguchi


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: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.76
    Yamaguchi $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

Also for Yamaguchi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Yamaguchi?

Prices for flights to both Yamaguchi and Guilin 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
    Guilin $22
    Yamaguchi $22
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Yamaguchi $8.39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

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

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $79
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling and Yulong bamboo boat Private Tour: $94
  • 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
  • 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show: $89
  • 1-Day Guilin Xing'an Ling Canal Private Tour: $183
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.72
    Yamaguchi $7.92


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Yamaguchi?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Yamaguchi, 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 Guilin or Yamaguchi?

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 Guilin or Yamaguchi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Yamaguchi. Additionally, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin usually gets less rain in July than Yamaguchi. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

Both Yamaguchi and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Guilin is a little warmer than Yamaguchi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In October, Guilin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Yamaguchi. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

Both Yamaguchi and Guilin during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Guilin is much warmer than Yamaguchi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Guilin usually gets less rain in January than Yamaguchi. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Yamaguchi. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the natural beauty.

In April, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Yamaguchi. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Guilin

Guilin Yamaguchi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)