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

Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Nikko?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shijiazhuang and Nikko 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: Shijiazhuang or Nikko?

Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Shijiazhuang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shijiazhuang is $77, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Shijiazhuang and Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shijiazhuang $44
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shijiazhuang $88
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Shijiazhuang and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Shijiazhuang or Nikko? 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 Shijiazhuang


Hotels in Nikko


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shijiazhuang $27
    Nikko -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Shijiazhuang or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko and Shijiazhuang 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
    Shijiazhuang $18
    Nikko $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shijiazhuang $4.34
    Nikko $21

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shijiazhuang $5.13
    Nikko $15


When comparing the travel costs between Shijiazhuang and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Nikko?

Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang and Nikko, 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 Shijiazhuang or Nikko?

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 Shijiazhuang or Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko and Shijiazhuang during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In July, Shijiazhuang is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shijiazhuang. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Nikko. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Nikko. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (59°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nikko in the Winter?

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

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shijiazhuang. In the winter, Shijiazhuang is much colder than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shijiazhuang in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Shijiazhuang is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 15°C (60°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In April, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Nikko. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 21°C (71°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)


Related Articles for Shijiazhuang
Related Articles for Nikko