A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Matsue vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Matsue or Ise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Ise 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: Matsue or Ise?

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.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

Which city is cheaper, Ise or Matsue?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $74, while the average daily cost in Ise is $100. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Matsue and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $29
    Ise $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $58
    Ise $94
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Ise? 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 Matsue


Hotels in Ise


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: Matsue Hotel Prices and Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $22
    Ise $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Matsue 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
    Matsue $31
    Ise $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.95
    Ise $6.58

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • Private Customized Tour with Izumo Taisha Shrine: $88
  • Adachi Museum Private Customized Guided Tour from Matsue: $396
  • The best of Matsue walking tour: $496
  • Romantic Tour In Matsue: $496

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
  • Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $98
  • Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $123
  • Private Tour - Wonder at the Spirituality of Shinto's Sacred Sites in Ise: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.74
    Ise $5.10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.


When is the best time to visit Matsue or Ise?

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 Matsue or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Ise in the summer. The temperature in Matsue is usually 25°C (78°F) in July, and Ise stays around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Matsue. In July, Matsue usually receives more rain than Ise. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Matsue 25°C (78°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Matsue during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Matsue is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Matsue in October are around 17°C (62°F), and Ise is about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Ise. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ise. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Matsue 17°C (62°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Ise.

Ise can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In January, Matsue is generally cooler than Ise. Temperatures in Matsue average around 4°C (39°F), and Ise stays around 5°C (40°F).

Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Ise during winter. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Ise. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Matsue 4°C (39°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Ise.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Ise in the spring. The temperature in Matsue is usually 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ise stays around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Ise. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. Matsue usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Matsue 13°C (55°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Matsue

Matsue Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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Matsue vs. Ise Travel Comparison

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