Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Nikko?
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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Nikko? 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.
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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Nikko -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
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Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $18Nikko $31
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Nikko $21
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Nikko?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Nikko. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Nikko. Additionally, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Nikko. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.