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

Should you visit Hongcun or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

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


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Hongcun?

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

  • Hongcun Prices
    China Prices
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hongcun $67
    Okinawa $125

The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $67, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hongcun $23
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hongcun $46
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Okinawa? 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 Hongcun


Hotels in Okinawa


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hongcun $12
    Okinawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 day
    Hongcun $33
    Okinawa $41
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hongcun $17
    Okinawa $14
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 Okinawa

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

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hongcun $14
    Okinawa $15


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



When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hongcun is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Okinawa in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hongcun is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Okinawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hongcun is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Okinawa. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hongcun is cooler than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Okinawa. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Hongcun

Hongcun Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)