A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Nagano?

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 Hongcun or Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Nagano. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Nagano. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. In the winter, Hongcun is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Nagano. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Nagano. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Hongcun