Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Harbin?
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 Harbin or Shiretoko National Park?
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 Harbin and Shiretoko National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Shiretoko National Park?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.
While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesShiretoko National Park Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Shiretoko National Park $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $96. 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 Harbin and Shiretoko National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Shiretoko National Park $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Shiretoko National Park $68
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Shiretoko National Park
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Shiretoko National Park? 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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Shiretoko National Park $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Shiretoko National Park?
Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $24Shiretoko National Park $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Shiretoko National Park $15
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Shiretoko National Park $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Shiretoko National Park is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Shiretoko National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shiretoko National Park than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Harbin or Shiretoko National Park?
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 Harbin or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Shiretoko National Park. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Harbin is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHarbin 24°C (75°F)Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?
Both Shiretoko National Park and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In October, Harbin usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHarbin 7°C (44°F)Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?
Both Shiretoko National Park and Harbin during the winter are popular places to visit.
Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during winter. Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. Harbin is much colder than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).
Harbin usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Shiretoko National Park. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In the spring, Harbin is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In April, Harbin usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHarbin 8°C (46°F)Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Harbin
| Harbin | Shiretoko National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -6°C (20°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -3°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 51 mm (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.