Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Nikko -
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 Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $36Nikko $55
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Nikko $22
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko : $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Nikko?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Nikko. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Nikko. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In the winter, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Nikko. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Nikko. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Nikko. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.