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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

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


Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Shenzhen?

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

  • Shenzhen Prices
    China Prices
    Koyasan Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenzhen $140
    Koyasan $95

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Koyasan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Koyasan $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Koyasan

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Koyasan? 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 Koyasan


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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Koyasan $34

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 Koyasan?

Prices for flights to both Koyasan 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
    Koyasan $34

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
    Koyasan $14

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Koyasan $5.07

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 Koyasan, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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



When is the best time to visit Shenzhen or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Koyasan. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Koyasan. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Koyasan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)


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