A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Atami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Atami?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Atami? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Nanjing or Atami?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Atami

Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Atami is $108. 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 Nanjing and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Atami $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Atami $88
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Atami? 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 Nanjing


Hotels in Atami


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: Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Atami $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $49
    Atami $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Atami $7.96

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
  • Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206

Tours and Activities in Atami

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

  • Experience Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Japanese Inn : $46
  • Japanese Traditional Music Experience: $48
  • Odawara Ramen Crawl Experience: Visit 2 Iconic Shops: $52
  • 2025 1 Day Winter Sumo Official Provincial Tour at Odawara: $104
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $138
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $138
  • Odawara to Hakone Scenic Adventure: $172
  • Hakone customized private one day tour: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Atami $5.65


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Atami, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Atami?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Atami, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Atami?

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 Nanjing or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Atami. Additionally, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Atami. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Nanjing during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Atami. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Atami. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches.

Nanjing is around the same temperature as Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Atami. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Nanjing

Nanjing Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)