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

Should you visit Hongcun or Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi?

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.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi, Japan is the capital city of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, located on the Western tip of Honshu, Japan. During medieval times, Yamaguchi City flourished and was essentially the capital of Japan when Kyoto was demolished by the Onin war. After 1551, the city lost this standing, although evidence of its precious prosperity can be found in the architecture and even in the planning of the city.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi in the Summer?

Both Yamaguchi and Hongcun during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Yamaguchi in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets less rain in July than Yamaguchi. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Yamaguchi. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year.

In the autumn, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Yamaguchi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Yamaguchi. Additionally, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hongcun in the winter. In January, Hongcun is generally cooler than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Yamaguchi. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

Both Yamaguchi and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the spring for the natural beauty.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Yamaguchi in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yamaguchi. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In April, Hongcun usually receives around the same amount of rain as Yamaguchi. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Hongcun