A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Longsheng vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Longsheng or Kanazawa?

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 Longsheng and Kanazawa. 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: Longsheng or Kanazawa?

Longsheng

A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Longsheng?

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

  • Longsheng Prices
    China Prices
    Kanazawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Longsheng $105
    Kanazawa $131

The average daily cost (per person) in Longsheng is $105, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Longsheng and Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Longsheng $21
    Kanazawa $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Longsheng $42
    Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Longsheng and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Longsheng or Kanazawa? 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 Longsheng


Hotels in Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Longsheng $42
    Kanazawa $9.66

Is it cheaper to fly into Longsheng or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Longsheng 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
    Longsheng $61
    Kanazawa $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
  • traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
  • Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
  • Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Longsheng $8.51
    Kanazawa $10

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
  • Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
  • Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
  • Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
  • Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
  • Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
  • Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
  • Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
  • From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
  • From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
  • From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Longsheng $8.01
    Kanazawa $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Longsheng and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Longsheng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Longsheng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Longsheng 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Longsheng.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Longsheng Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Longsheng or Kanazawa?

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 Longsheng or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Longsheng are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Longsheng is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Longsheng average around 30°C (86°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Longsheng. In July, Longsheng usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Longsheng gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Longsheng 30°C (86°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Longsheng during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.

Longsheng is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Longsheng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Longsheng usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Longsheng gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Longsheng 23°C (73°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Longsheng and Kanazawa. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. In the winter, Longsheng is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Longsheng in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Longsheng usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Longsheng gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Longsheng 10°C (49°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Longsheng as well as Kanazawa.

In April, Longsheng is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Longsheng average around 20°C (68°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Longsheng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Longsheng usually gets more rain in April than Kanazawa. Longsheng gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Longsheng 20°C (68°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Longsheng

Longsheng Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)