A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangjiajie and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Spanning the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a natural area with beautiful scenery as well as a number of popular tourist spots. Some of its highlights include Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a geographic range of natural hot springs, coastlines, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Zhangjiajie?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Zhangjiajie Prices
    China Prices
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $104. 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 Zhangjiajie and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? 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 Zhangjiajie


Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park


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: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $36
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $12

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
  • 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR!: $272
  • 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
  • 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
  • 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $215
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
  • 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • 1 Day Private Tokyo to Hakone Gotemba Fuji Tour : $202
  • Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide: $300
  • Customizable Private Full Day Hakone Tour by car: $150
  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $41
  • Evangelion Hakone Tour Explore The Third New Tokyo City: $220
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $171
  • Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $198
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour : $260
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour Hotel Pickup and Highlights: $219
  • Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour: $239
  • Hakone Private Custom Tour: Hot Springs, Nature & Mt. Fuji Views: $115
  • Hakone Scenic Adventure Nature and Tranquil Journey : $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.69


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)