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

Should you visit Wuyuan or Koyasan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Wuyuan and Koyasan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Wuyuan or Koyasan?

Wuyuan

Wuyuan, China is a small city in the Jiangxi Province in the south central area of the country. The city acts as a transport hub for the province, with many main bus routes running through it. Wuyuan also acts as the main thoroughfare when traveling to local remote villages in the area. It is best to know some Mandarin as this region does not see many non-Mandarin speaking tourists, which also means you should expect some very friendly attention!

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wuyuan as well as Koyasan. Additionally, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Wuyuan is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Wuyuan averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Wuyuan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wuyuan usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Wuyuan gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wuyuan or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Wuyuan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Wuyuan is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wuyuan in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In October, Wuyuan usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Wuyuan gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wuyuan or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Wuyuan during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In January, Wuyuan is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Wuyuan average around 6°C (43°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Wuyuan usually gets more rain in January than Koyasan. Wuyuan gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wuyuan or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wuyuan and Koyasan. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Wuyuan is a little warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Wuyuan averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Wuyuan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Wuyuan usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Wuyuan gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Wuyuan