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

Should you visit Tianjin or Matsue?

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

Should I visit Tianjin or Matsue? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Matsue?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Tianjin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Tianjin and Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $35
    Matsue $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Matsue? 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 Tianjin


Hotels in Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tianjin $37
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

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

  • Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
  • Beijing Daxing or Capital Int’l Airport Private Departure Transfer from Tianjin : $128
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
  • Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
  • Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
  • Private One Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port and Beijing: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue and Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $36
    Matsue $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Matsue $9.13

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

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

  • Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
  • Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
  • Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Matsue $7.10


When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Matsue, we can see that Tianjin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Matsue?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Matsue, 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 Tianjin or Matsue?

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 Tianjin or Matsue in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Matsue. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Matsue. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the summer, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Matsue because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Matsue. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

It's quite cold in Matsue in the winter. The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. Tianjin is much colder than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Matsue. Furthermore, many travelers come to Matsue for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Matsue. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Tianjin

Tianjin Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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