A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Yakushima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Yakushima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dalian or Yakushima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dalian or Yakushima?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Dalian?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dalian Prices
    China Prices
    Yakushima Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dalian $124
    Yakushima $141

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $141. 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 Dalian and Yakushima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $55
    Yakushima $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $110
    Yakushima $122
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Yakushima

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Yakushima? 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 Dalian


Hotels in Yakushima


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: Yakushima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $41
    Yakushima $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

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

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Yakushima?

Prices for flights to both Yakushima and Dalian 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
    Dalian $48
    Yakushima $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.86
    Yakushima $21

Tours and Activities in Dalian

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

  • Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
  • Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250

Tours and Activities in Yakushima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yakushima are as follows:

  • Private Guided Tour: $336

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.41
    Yakushima $6.61


When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Dalian or Yakushima?

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 Dalian or Yakushima in the Summer?

Both Yakushima and Dalian during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Dalian is generally cooler than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. Dalian usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Yakushima. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Yakushima 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Yakushima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Yakushima.

Dalian is cooler than Yakushima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Yakushima fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Yakushima 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Yakushima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Yakushima.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Yakushima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Yakushima averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Yakushima. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Yakushima 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Yakushima in the Spring?

Both Yakushima and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Dalian is generally much colder than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Yakushima 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Dalian

Dalian Yakushima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 288 mm (11.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 352 mm (13.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 27°C (81°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 253 mm (10 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)