Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nikko?
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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?
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.
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 The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72, 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10Nikko -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33Nikko $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Nikko $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 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 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 Nikko Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nikko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Nikko. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nikko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Nikko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. It's quite cold in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nikko. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Nikko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | 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.