Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Nikko? 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $96Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $46Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $92Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Nikko? 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.
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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $38Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $232
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
- Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $163
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $120
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $115
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
- Nanjing to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $90
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
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Food Meals for one dayNanjing $28Nikko $31
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
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.27Nikko $21
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
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Nanjing Jiming Temple, Ming City Wall, Xuanwu Lake: $147
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb and City Wall: $190
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- All-Inclusive Nanjing Purple Mountain Scenic Area Private Day Tour: $187
- All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
- Beijing Great Wall Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train with Private Car Service: $282
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.46Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Nikko, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Nikko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Nikko?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nikko. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Nikko. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Nikko. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Nikko. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In the winter, Nanjing is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nikko. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nikko. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.