A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Chichibu-Tama-Kai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Located at the intersection of the Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Tokyo Prefectures, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a national park in Japan webbed with hiking trails and many ancient shrines. Mount Mitake, Mount Mitsumine, and Mount Mito are just three of the eight peaks that tower above the park at over 2000 meters, while rivers sources flowing below include the Arakawa River, Shinano River, Tama River, and Fuefuki River (Fuji River).

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chichibu-Tama-Kai than you might in Hongcun.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In the summer, Hongcun is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. Hongcun is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Hongcun usually gets more rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hongcun is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Hongcun