A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa 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
    Kanazawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Kanazawa $131

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Kanazawa $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Kanazawa $9.66

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 Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
    Kanazawa $58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

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

  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
  • traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
  • Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
  • Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Kanazawa $10

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 Kanazawa

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

  • 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
  • Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
  • Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
  • Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
  • Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
  • Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
  • Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
  • Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
  • From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
  • From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
  • From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Kanazawa $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Kanazawa, 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 Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.

Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Kanazawa. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. In the winter, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Kanazawa.

In April, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Kanazawa. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)