Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo. 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $63Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $14Tokyo $17
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 Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Tokyo and Hakuba or Nozawa: $1,137
- Private Transfers between Tokyo and Snow Monkey Park: $821
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $707
- Haneda airport to/from Naeba city Private Transfer: $650
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Haneda airport to/from Karuizawa Town Private Transfer: $568
- 10-hour Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $555
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nikko: $518
- Narita Airport: Private one way transfer by Luxury car/Van: $480
- Haneda Airport to/from Kamakura City Private Transfer: $480
- Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $455
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $20Tokyo $37
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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Tokyo $68
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $97
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $133
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $134
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $88
- 1 Day Tokyo Charter Private Tour with English & Hindi Driver: $347
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $484
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $474
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $143
- 1 Day private Tour in Hakone with Hakone Freepass & Train Ticket: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
Both Tokyo and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tokyo. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Tokyo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Tokyo. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tokyo. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Tokyo. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Tokyo. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.