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

Should you visit Yangshuo or Kanazawa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Kanazawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Kanazawa?

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

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 The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Yangshuo?

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

  • Yangshuo Prices
    China Prices
    Kanazawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yangshuo $86
    Kanazawa $131

The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, 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 Yangshuo and Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yangshuo $26
    Kanazawa $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yangshuo $52
    Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo


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.
    Yangshuo $43
    Kanazawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo

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

  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
  • Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
  • From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
  • From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo $33
    Kanazawa $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo

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

  • Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
  • Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
  • The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
  • Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

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: $422

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yangshuo $24
    Kanazawa $10

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

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

  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
  • Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
  • 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
  • 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
  • 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
  • All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
  • Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
  • Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
  • Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
  • From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
  • From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
  • From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102

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
    Yangshuo $34
    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 Yangshuo and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo.

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


Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Kanazawa, 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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

In July, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo. In July, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Yangshuo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene.

Yangshuo is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yangshuo 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. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Kanazawa. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Yangshuo is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yangshuo 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, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Kanazawa in the Spring?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Kanazawa. Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Yangshuo

Yangshuo 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)