A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Atami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hangzhou or Atami?

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 Hangzhou and Atami. 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: Hangzhou or Atami?

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

Atami

Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Hangzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Atami is $86. 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 Hangzhou and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Atami $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Atami $86
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Atami? 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 Hangzhou


Hotels in Atami


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: Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Atami $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
  • Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $557
  • Narita Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $650

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18
    Atami $24
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Atami $7.68

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Tours and Activities in Atami

For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $44
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $104
  • ACAO BEACH: Tent Sauna experience at private resort: $114
  • Exclusive Geisha Experience: $114
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $131
  • Hakone one day tour: $157

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Atami $5.45


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Atami?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Atami, 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 Hangzhou or Atami?

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 Hangzhou or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Atami. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Atami. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Atami. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the spring for the beaches.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Atami. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)