Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nikko?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nikko or Harbin?
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 Harbin 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Nikko Prices
Japan PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNikko $108Harbin $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $108, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNikko $48Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNikko $96Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Nikko and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Nikko or Harbin? 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 -Harbin $1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $55Harbin $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nikko $22Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNikko $15Harbin $7.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Harbin, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nikko Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nikko or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Harbin, 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 Nikko or Harbin?
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 Nikko or Harbin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Harbin. Many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nikko is around the same temperature as Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNikko 25°C (77°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Harbin. Most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Nikko is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNikko 16°C (61°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. The weather in Nikko can be very cold. Nikko is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Nikko usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNikko 3°C (37°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Nikko during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the spring, Nikko is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNikko 13°C (55°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Nikko
| Nikko | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.