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

Should you visit Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park?

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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Nanjing?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $38
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
  • Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Nanjing Any Railway Station: $34
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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 $28
    Shiretoko National Park $25

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.27
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.46
    Shiretoko National Park $10


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

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



When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Shiretoko National Park. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nanjing is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Shiretoko National Park. Additionally, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nanjing is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. Nanjing can be very cold during winter. Nanjing is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. In the spring, Nanjing is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Nanjing

Nanjing Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)