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

Should you visit Tianjin or Ise?

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

Should I visit Tianjin or Ise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Ise?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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 Tianjin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Ise is $89. 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 Tianjin and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $34
    Ise $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $68
    Ise $84
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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 Tianjin


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.
    Tianjin $36
    Ise $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

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

  • Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
  • Beijing: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $68
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Airport: $280
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
  • One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
  • Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $20
    Ise $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Ise $5.83

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

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

  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Hotel With the English Speaking Driver: $160
  • 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
  • Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Ise $4.52


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Ise?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Ise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Ise. Additionally, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the summer, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Ise. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene.

In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Ise. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Ise during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Ise. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. Tianjin is much colder than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Ise. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Ise. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Ise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Ise. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches.

In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Ise during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Ise. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Tianjin

Tianjin Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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