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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Matsue?

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 Matsue. 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 Matsue?

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Hangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hangzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Matsue Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hangzhou $80
    Matsue $88

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $24
    Matsue $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $48
    Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.24
    Matsue $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $31
    Matsue $49
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • 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
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Matsue $9.13

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
  • Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
  • The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $45
  • A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
  • Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
  • Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
  • Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Matsue $7.10


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


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Matsue?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

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 Hangzhou or Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Matsue. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Matsue. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Matsue. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Matsue. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)