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

Should you visit Matsue or Kobe?

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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

Which city is cheaper, Kobe 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 Kobe is $117. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $29
    Kobe $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $58
    Kobe $136
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Kobe? 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 Kobe


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 Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $22
    Kobe $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $174
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $150
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $142
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $150
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport to/from Kobe City: One-Way Shared Transfer: $42
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport: Private Transfer to/from Kobe City: $149
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $96
  • Private Departure Transfer Kobe City to Kobe International Airport: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
    Kobe $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.95
    Kobe $26

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

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

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $68
  • Private And Personalized Experience: See Kobe With A Local: $83
  • Private Tour - Experience Hot Spring Culture of 1400 years - Arima Onsen: $98
  • Private Tour - Learn How to Make sake, and Taste it! Discover sake Culture!: $103
  • Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $103
  • PrivateTour - A Fashionable Up-to-Date Tour for Girls in Kobe!: $108
  • Private Tour - Visit Popular and Innovative Industries Established in Kobe!: $113
  • Private Tour - Let's Enjoy Handicrafts in Kobe, Find the Craftsman in You!: $113
  • Private Tour - Stroll Around an Art Town in Kobe with Many Architectures: $118
  • Seasonal Private Tour - A Leisure Tour to Feel Nature at a Mountain in Kobe!: $123
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef: $126
  • Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.74
    Kobe $9.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

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

  • Private Tour: Visit Nada Sake Brewery from Kobe: $566


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


When is the best time to visit Matsue or Kobe?

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 Matsue or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Matsue during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Matsue is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Matsue in July are around 25°C (78°F), and Kobe is about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Matsue. In the summer, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Matsue 25°C (78°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Kobe.

In October, Matsue is generally cooler than Kobe. Temperatures in Matsue average around 17°C (62°F), and Kobe stays around 18°C (65°F).

Matsue usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Matsue usually receives more rain than Kobe. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Matsue 17°C (62°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Kobe.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. Matsue is cooler than Kobe in the winter. The temperature in Matsue is usually 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kobe stays around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Matsue usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Matsue 4°C (39°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Matsue is cooler than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Matsue in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Kobe is about 15°C (58°F).

Matsue usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Matsue. In April, Matsue usually receives less rain than Kobe. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Matsue 13°C (55°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Matsue

Matsue Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)


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Matsue vs. Kobe Travel Comparison

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