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

Should you visit Nanjing or Ise?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Ise? 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 Ise?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise 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 Ise is $110. 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 Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Ise $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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 Nanjing


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: Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Ise $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
  • Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
  • Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise 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
    Ise $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
    Ise $6.04

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
  • Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
  • Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
  • Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
  • Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
  • Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
  • Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
  • Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Ise $4.68


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Ise, 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 Ise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Ise?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Ise, 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 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 Nanjing or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nanjing is around the same temperature as Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Ise. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene.

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

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nanjing or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Ise. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Ise. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Ise. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Ise. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Ise. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Nanjing

Nanjing Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)