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

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Osaka?

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 Osaka. 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 Osaka?

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.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Osaka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
    Osaka $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
    Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Osaka? 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.

Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


Hotels in Osaka


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: Osaka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99
    Osaka $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):


  • Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two
    $3.59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • Subway
    $7.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
  • Private Transfer by Sedan from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City : $58
  • Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
  • Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
  • Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
  • Osaka to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • TeamLab Botanical Garden Ticket and Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Osaka?

Prices for flights to both Osaka and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
    Osaka $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka

For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
  • 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
  • Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
  • Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
  • Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
  • Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
  • Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
  • RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
  • Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
  • Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
    Osaka $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $63
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Osaka

For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
  • Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
  • Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
  • Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
  • Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
  • Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
  • Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
  • Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
  • Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
  • Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
    Osaka $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:

  • Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
  • Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
  • Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
  • Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
  • Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
  • Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39


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



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

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Osaka 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 July than Osaka. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F) 
    Osaka 28°C (82°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Osaka. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Osaka. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F) 
    Osaka 19°C (66°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Osaka. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

The weather in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally cooler than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 4°C (40°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F) 
    Osaka 6°C (42°F)

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

Both Osaka and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Osaka. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F) 
    Osaka 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Osaka and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Osaka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)