Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo. 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Tokyo $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Tokyo $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Tokyo $18
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$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $232
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $65
- Airport Transfer between Narita and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $231
- Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Haneda Airport: $116
- DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $286
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $176
- Disabled-passenger transfer from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Port : $216
- Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $260
- Discover Makaino Farm with Bus Transfer from Tokyo: $71
- Disneyland or Disneysea Transfer to or from Tokyo English Driver: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $31Tokyo $67
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$2.38
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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
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.41
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
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Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- Tokyo Ramen Dojo: Authentic Ramen Cooking Class & Tasting: $34
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
- Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
- Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Tokyo $71
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.42
- Tokyo 4‑Day Self‑Guided PDF Tour of Senso‑ji, Shibuya and more: $3.42
- Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Guided Tour: $3.46
- Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $3.57
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
- Horse Racing Tour with Local Fans in Tokyo: $10
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
- Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
- Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Tokyo $34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
Both Tokyo and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tokyo. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Tokyo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Tokyo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Tokyo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Tokyo. Additionally, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Hangzhou is cooler than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Tokyo in the Spring?
Both Tokyo and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tokyo. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.