Which place is cheaper, Ise or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou or Ise?
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 Hangzhou and Ise. 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: Hangzhou or Ise?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesIse Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Ise $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Ise is $110. 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 Hangzhou and Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Ise $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Ise? 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: Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Ise $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service,Hangzhou Airport Transfer: $59
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Hangzhou Train Station Transfer: $53
- Hangzhou to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Ise $43
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Ise $6.04
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Traditional Hanfu Clothes Photo Shoot Experience: $82
Tours and Activities in Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
- Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
- Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
- Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
- Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
- Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Ise $4.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Ise?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Ise, 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 Hangzhou or Ise?
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 Hangzhou or Ise in the Summer?
Both Ise and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Ise. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Ise in the Autumn?
Both Ise and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Ise in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Ise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Ise. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Ise in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Ise. Additionally, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite rainy in Ise. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.