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

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Kobe?

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 Kobe. 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

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, Kobe or Zhangjiajie?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Kobe $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Kobe? 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 Kobe


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: Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $14
    Kobe $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
  • Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $20
    Kobe $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Kobe $23

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR!: $272
  • 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
  • 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
  • 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour: $260
  • 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour: $300
  • 2-Day Zhangjiajie Tour Including Yuanjiajie Mountains: $550
  • 2-Full Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour : $284

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $168
  • 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $134
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $167
  • A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $153
  • Cruise Stop-Over: Explore The City From Kobe Port: $238
  • Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
  • Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $149
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
  • Himeji and Private Guided 1 Day Tour: $228
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
  • KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $282
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Kobe $8.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174


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


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Kobe. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Kobe. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Kobe. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Kobe. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Kobe. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)