A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nikko or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

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 Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Shenyang. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nikko is around the same temperature as Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shenyang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenyang. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Shenyang. Many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nikko is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. In the autumn, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Shenyang. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Nikko can be very cold during winter. Nikko is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Shenyang during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nikko usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Nikko during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nikko is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Shenyang. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Nikko