A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Qingdao vs. Shiretoko National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park?

Qingdao

Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Qingdao?

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

  • Qingdao Prices
    China Prices
    Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Qingdao $73
    Shiretoko National Park $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $96. 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 Qingdao and Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $27
    Shiretoko National Park $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $54
    Shiretoko National Park $68
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Qingdao


Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Shiretoko National Park $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
  • Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park and Qingdao 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
    Qingdao $35
    Shiretoko National Park $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
  • Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
  • Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
  • German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
  • Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
  • Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
  • Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
  • Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
  • Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
  • Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Shiretoko National Park $11


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

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



When is the best time to visit Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Shiretoko National Park. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

Qingdao is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Qingdao is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Qingdao during the winter are popular places to visit.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In January, Qingdao is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Shiretoko National Park. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. Qingdao is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Qingdao

Qingdao Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)