A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenzhen vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen or Ise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Ise 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: Shenzhen or Ise?

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Ise is $110. 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 Shenzhen and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Ise $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Ise? 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.

Hotels in Shenzhen


Hotels in Ise


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: Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Ise $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Shenzhen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shenzhen $35
    Ise $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Ise $6.04

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17

Tours and Activities in Ise

Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
  • Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
  • Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
  • Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
  • Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Ise $4.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Ise, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Ise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Ise?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen or Ise?

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 Shenzhen or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Ise. Shenzhen gets 231 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 Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Ise. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Ise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the shopping scene.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Ise during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Ise in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Ise. Additionally, many visitors come to Ise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ise can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Ise. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Ise. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches during these months.

In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Ise during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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