A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun or Matsue?

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 Matsue 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 Matsue?

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Matsue?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hongcun or Matsue in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Matsue. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Matsue. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hongcun or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. In the winter, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Matsue. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hongcun or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Matsue. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Hongcun