A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Yamaguchi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangjiajie and Yamaguchi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi?

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi, Japan is the capital city of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, located on the Western tip of Honshu, Japan. During medieval times, Yamaguchi City flourished and was essentially the capital of Japan when Kyoto was demolished by the Onin war. After 1551, the city lost this standing, although evidence of its precious prosperity can be found in the architecture and even in the planning of the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yamaguchi or Zhangjiajie?

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

  • Zhangjiajie Prices
    China Prices
    Yamaguchi Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Yamaguchi $100

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Yamaguchi is $100. 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 Zhangjiajie and Yamaguchi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Yamaguchi $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Yamaguchi $94
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Yamaguchi

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi? 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 Zhangjiajie


Hotels in Yamaguchi


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: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Yamaguchi $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

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

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $399

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi?

Prices for flights to both Yamaguchi and Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $36
    Yamaguchi $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yamaguchi

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

  • Yamaguchi ;Healthy tea drinking ; dinner: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Yamaguchi $8.69

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
  • 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR!: $272
  • 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
  • 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
  • 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $215
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
  • 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195

Tours and Activities in Yamaguchi

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

  • Fuji Plan - Kimono Experience and City Walk -: $37
  • Kiku Plan - Wagashi making and tea ceremony experience -: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Yamaguchi $8.21


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi?

Yamaguchi has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Yamaguchi, 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 Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi?

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 Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Yamaguchi. Furthermore, most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Yamaguchi. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Yamaguchi. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

Both Yamaguchi and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year.

Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Yamaguchi in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

Both Yamaguchi and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Yamaguchi. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Yamaguchi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)