A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Benxi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Matsue or Benxi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Benxi 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: Matsue or Benxi?

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Benxi?

Benxi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Benxi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Matsue or Benxi?

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 Matsue or Benxi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Benxi. The summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Benxi in the summer. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Matsue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during summer. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

Benxi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Matsue usually receives more rain than Benxi. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Matsue or Benxi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Benxi. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In the autumn, Matsue is a little warmer than Benxi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Matsue in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Benxi averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. In the autumn, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue usually gets more rain in October than Benxi. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Benxi in the Winter?

Both Benxi and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In January, Matsue is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 4°C (39°F), and Benxi fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Benxi during winter. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Benxi. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Matsue or Benxi in the Spring?

Both Benxi and Matsue during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.

Matsue is a little warmer than Benxi in the spring. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Benxi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in April than Benxi. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Benxi and Matsue