Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Nikko Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNikko $108Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $108, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNikko $48Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNikko $96Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Nikko and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Nikko or Suzhou? 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 -Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $55Suzhou $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nikko $22Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNikko $15Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Nikko Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nikko or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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 Nikko or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Nikko during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Nikko is cooler than Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Suzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNikko 25°C (77°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Suzhou. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the autumn, Nikko is cooler than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nikko in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Nikko usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during autumn. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nikko usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNikko 16°C (61°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Suzhou. Many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Nikko is generally much colder than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 3°C (37°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In the winter, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Suzhou. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNikko 3°C (37°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Nikko or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Nikko is cooler than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In April, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNikko 13°C (55°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Nikko
| Nikko | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.