Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hongcun or Nikko?
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 Nikko 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
-
Hongcun Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $67Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $67, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Nikko $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Nikko -
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHongcun $33Nikko $55
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.91
-
Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Nikko $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Nikko. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the summer, Hongcun is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nikko. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. Hongcun is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Hongcun usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Nikko. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Hongcun is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Nikko. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.