Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Nikko 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: Shenzhen or Nikko?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, 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 Shenzhen and Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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.Shenzhen $15Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $124
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $35Nikko $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Nikko $22
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong: $24
- Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- Aberdeen Fishing Village Private Tour by Minivan: $232
- Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $140
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $95
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko : $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Nikko $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Nikko, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen than you might in Nikko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Nikko?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Nikko, 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 Shenzhen or Nikko?
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 Shenzhen or Nikko in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Nikko. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the summer, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Nikko. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Nikko. Additionally, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Nikko. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Shenzhen is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Nikko. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nikko. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Shenzhen is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Nikko. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Nikko | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.