Which place is cheaper, Datong or Nikko?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nikko or Datong?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nikko and Datong 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: Nikko or Datong?
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.
Datong
If you're looking for an old world city, with a renovated feel, you might want to spend some time in Datong, China. This city was once walled-in and the newest initiative is to rebuild their great wall to maintain their old world charm. Datong is definitely done a lot to make itself a contender in the world of vacation destinations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNikko $82Datong $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $82, while the average daily cost in Datong is $56. 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 Nikko and Datong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNikko $46Datong $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNikko $92Datong $46
Compare Hotels in Nikko and Datong
Looking for a hotel in Nikko or Datong? 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.Nikko -Datong $12
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
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Datong
Also for Datong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One Way Transfer from Datong to Beijing : $211
- Chengdu: Private Round-Trip Transfer to Leshan Budda: $128
- Dunhuang Private Round Trip Transfer to Jiayuguan and Xuanbi Great Wall : $100
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Hanging Temple: $98
- Datong Hanging Temple Private Transfer from Hotel or Station: $69
- Transfer from Datong Railway Stations to Hotels in City Center: $35
- Private Transfer Service from Yungang Airport to Datong Hotel: $29
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Datong?
Prices for flights to both Datong and Nikko 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 dayNikko $31Datong $20
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nikko $21Datong $25
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
Tours and Activities in Datong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Datong.
- 1-Day Pingyao tour from Datong and ends of Beijing or Xi'an by Bullet Train: $267
- 1-Day Private Tour: Datong Highlights with the Lunch: $215
- 4-8 hours Private Datong Great Wall Tour: $99
- All Inclusive Datong Private Day Tour to Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes : $268
- All Inclusive Datong Private Tour to Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: $238
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Hanging Temple at Hengshan from Datong : $188
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Wooden Pagoda and Hanging Temple from Datong: $220
- All-Inclusive Private Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple from Datong: $220
- Datong Classic Day Tour: $135
- Datong Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple: $203
- Datong Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda Self-guided Tour by Car: $95
- Datong Private Day Tour to Deshengbu and Zhenchuankou Great Wall with Lunch: $190
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNikko $15Datong $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Datong, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Datong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Datong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Datong 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko than you might in Datong.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nikko Expensive? and Is Datong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nikko or Datong?
Datong has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Datong, 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.
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.