Which place is cheaper, Ise or Hongcun?
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 Hongcun or Ise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Ise can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Ise?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Hongcun Prices
China PricesIse Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $67Ise $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $67, 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 Hongcun and Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Ise $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.Hongcun $12Ise $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $33Ise $43
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.91
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Ise $6.04
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
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 dayHongcun $14Ise $4.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Ise Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Ise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Ise. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Ise. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Ise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Ise. Additionally, many travelers come to Ise for the shopping scene.
Hongcun is around the same temperature as Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Ise. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 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 OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Ise in the Winter?
Both Ise and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ise can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. In the winter, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Ise. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 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 JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Ise in the Spring?
Both Ise and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches during these months.
In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Ise. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 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 AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.