Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie or Kyoto?
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 Kyoto. 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $36Kyoto $43
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 Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
- Dinner with Maiko: $62
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
- Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
- One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
- Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $158
- Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $138
- Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
- 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
- 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Kyoto. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In January, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Kyoto. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.