A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Ise?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Ise Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Ise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Ise. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Ise. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Ise. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Ise. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Ise. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Ise. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ise and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)