A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Ise for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai or Ise?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Ise. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Shanghai and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Ise?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Ise. Shanghai is bigger than Ise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ise is more popular for its beaches. Shanghai is more touristy than Ise and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Shanghai different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ise and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Ise?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Ise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Shanghai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a port city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Shanghai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Ise?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Families?

Shanghai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Shanghai is a great port city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Ise is a good port city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Students?

Shanghai is well known for students. However, Ise is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Ise is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Ise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is well known for its public transit. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

While Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Shanghai or Ise a more walkable city?

Shanghai is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Ise is a somewhat walkable port city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Ise. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Ise. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Ise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Ise if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Ise?

When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The city of Ise offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Ise?

Many people visit Shanghai for a weekend. When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ise, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Ise?

When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ise is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Ise?

Shanghai, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Ise is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Ise, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Ise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ise 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Ise.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Ise?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Ise, 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 Shanghai or Ise?

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 Shanghai or Ise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Ise. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Ise. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Ise. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally cooler than Ise. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Ise during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Ise. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Ise. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ise and Shanghai