Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Hefei?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hefei or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hefei or Nikko? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hefei or Nikko?
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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 dayHefei $62Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Hefei is $62, 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 Hefei and Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHefei $28Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHefei $56Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Hefei 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.Hefei $17Nikko -
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 Hefei or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko and Hefei 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 dayHefei $21Nikko $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hefei $19Nikko $21
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 dayHefei $11Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hefei Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hefei or Nikko?
Hefei has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Hefei 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 Hefei 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 Hefei or Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Hefei during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 29°C (83°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 Hefei. Hefei usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nikko. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 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 JulyHefei 29°C (83°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Nikko. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Hefei is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hefei usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 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 OctoberHefei 18°C (64°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Nikko. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. The weather in Hefei can be very cold. In the winter, Hefei is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hefei in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Hefei usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHefei 3°C (38°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hefei 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. In April, Hefei usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 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 AprilHefei 16°C (61°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Hefei
| Hefei | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (1 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.