A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Ise vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Shiretoko National Park 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.

Ise

Ise is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and overlooked city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Ise and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ise. Although Ise and Shiretoko National Park are both popular with visitors, Ise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ise is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ise is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. It is also home to the Ise Jingu shrine complex. Shiretoko National Park is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Ise different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park and Ise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Ise or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Ise is an experience not to be missed. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise is a moderate city for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Ise specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Ise has a beach worth visiting. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Ise to go shopping. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Both Ise and Shiretoko National Park are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Shiretoko National Park offers lots of family activities. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.


Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Shiretoko National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Ise has a few public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.


Is Ise or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Ise
Shiretoko National Park

Ise and Shiretoko National Park both are good when exploring on foot.

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable city. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Ise Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Ise?

How long in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Ise or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Ise than Shiretoko National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ise, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ise than Shiretoko National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ise that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ise than Shiretoko National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ise.


  • How many days in Ise or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ise 1-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic city of Ise. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

Ise is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people visit Shiretoko National Park for a weekend. With around the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

Ise is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The destination of Shiretoko National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park, a popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Ise?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ise is $89, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Ise and Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ise $42
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ise $84
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Ise and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Ise or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Ise


Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


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: Ise Hotel Prices and Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ise $43
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park and Ise 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
    Ise $24
    Shiretoko National Park $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ise $5.83
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Ise

Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $40
  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ise $4.52
    Shiretoko National Park $10


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ise Expensive? and Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Ise or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Ise or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Shiretoko National Park. Most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ise is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ise in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Ise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during summer. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ise usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ise 26°C (79°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ise or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ise as well as Shiretoko National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

In October, Ise is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 17°C (63°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Ise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ise 17°C (63°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ise or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. Ise is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Ise usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ise usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ise 5°C (40°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Ise or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Ise during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ise for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Ise is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ise in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the spring, Ise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ise 13°C (56°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Ise

Ise Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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