A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Koyasan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koyasan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

Koyasan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan?

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koyasan. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Koyasan. Additionally, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is cooler than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Koyasan. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)