Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Nikko?
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 Yangshuo and Nikko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Nikko?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Yangshuo Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $86Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Yangshuo and Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $26Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $52Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $43Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko and Yangshuo 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
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Food Meals for one dayYangshuo $33Nikko $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $24Nikko $22
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
- 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
- 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
- 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
- All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
- Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
- Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
- Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
- From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
- From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
- From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $34Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko than you might in Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Nikko?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo or Nikko?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Yangshuo or Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 30°C (86°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Nikko. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Yangshuo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Nikko. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nikko can be very cold. In the winter, Yangshuo is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yangshuo in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Nikko. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Nikko. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In April, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 20°C (68°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Nikko. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.