A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yichang vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yichang or Matsue?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yichang or Matsue, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Yichang or Matsue?

Yichang

Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.

Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Yichang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yichang is $58, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Yichang and Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yichang $24
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yichang $48
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Yichang and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Yichang or Matsue? 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 Yichang


Hotels in Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yichang $14
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Yichang or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue and Yichang 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
    Yichang $21
    Matsue $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yichang $18
    Matsue $8.81

Tours and Activities in Yichang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yichang are as follows:

  • Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53
  • Private Tour: Essence of Yichang Day Tour: $165
  • Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
  • Yichang hotel/Sanxia Tourist Center/Maoping pier to Zhangjiajie: $290
  • From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $761

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yichang $14
    Matsue $6.85


When comparing the travel costs between Yichang and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Yichang Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yichang or Matsue?

Yichang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Yichang and Matsue, 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 Yichang or Matsue?

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 Yichang or Matsue in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yichang and Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yichang is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yichang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. In Yichang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Yichang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue during summer. Yichang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yichang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yichang usually receives less rain than Matsue. Yichang gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yichang 29°C (85°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Yichang or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yichang as well as Matsue. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Yichang is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Yichang average around 20°C (67°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Yichang often gets less sunshine than Matsue. Yichang gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Yichang usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Yichang gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yichang 20°C (67°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Yichang or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue and Yichang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. Yichang is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Yichang averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Yichang usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Yichang gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Yichang usually receives less rain than Matsue. Yichang gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yichang 6°C (43°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Yichang or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue and Yichang during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Yichang is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yichang in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Yichang often gets less sunshine than Matsue. Yichang gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yichang usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Yichang gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yichang 18°C (65°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Yichang

Yichang Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 229 mm (9 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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