Compare · Prices checked 10 Oct 2026
Is China cheaper than Japan?
For a mid-range trip, China costs about 43% less on the ground than Japan, based on the prices we have checked.
China
Shanghai, then Beijing
$1,900
$90 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
CheaperTokyo, then Yokohama
$1,640
$110 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $387 | $570 | Japan +$183 |
| Food & drink | $103 | $145 | Japan +$42 |
| Local transport | $14 | $40 | Japan +$26 |
| Intercity trains | $85 | $5 | China +$80 |
| Sights & tickets | $35 | $10 | China +$25 |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $16 | $16 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $25 | China +$115 |
| Total | $1,900 | $1,640 | China +$260 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,120
£65 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£1,210
£85 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £290 | £430 | Japan +£140 |
| Food & drink | £80 | £110 | Japan +£30 |
| Local transport | £10 | £30 | Japan +£20 |
| Intercity trains | £65 | £5 | China +£60 |
| Sights & tickets | £25 | £5 | China +£20 |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £20 | Japan +£20 |
| Total | £1,120 | £1,210 | Japan +£90 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$2,300
C$130 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$2,410
C$160 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$550 | C$810 | Japan +C$260 |
| Food & drink | C$150 | C$210 | Japan +C$60 |
| Local transport | C$20 | C$55 | Japan +C$35 |
| Intercity trains | C$120 | C$5 | China +C$115 |
| Sights & tickets | C$50 | C$15 | China +C$35 |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$20 | C$20 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$35 | Japan +C$35 |
| Total | C$2,300 | C$2,410 | Japan +C$110 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$1,780
A$130 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$2,200
A$160 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$550 | A$820 | Japan +A$270 |
| Food & drink | A$150 | A$210 | Japan +A$60 |
| Local transport | A$20 | A$55 | Japan +A$35 |
| Intercity trains | A$120 | A$5 | China +A$115 |
| Sights & tickets | A$50 | A$15 | China +A$35 |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$20 | A$20 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$35 | Japan +A$35 |
| Total | A$1,780 | A$2,200 | Japan +A$420 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$2,130
$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$2,270
$200 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $501 | $1,056 | Japan +$555 |
| Food & drink | $182 | $247 | Japan +$65 |
| Local transport | $37 | $50 | Japan +$13 |
| Intercity trains | $85 | $5 | China +$80 |
| Sights & tickets | $50 | $50 | Same |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $16 | $16 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $25 | China +$115 |
| Total | $2,130 | $2,270 | Japan +$140 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,310
£95 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£1,700
£150 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £380 | £800 | Japan +£420 |
| Food & drink | £140 | £190 | Japan +£50 |
| Local transport | £30 | £35 | Japan +£5 |
| Intercity trains | £65 | £5 | China +£60 |
| Sights & tickets | £40 | £40 | Same |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £20 | Japan +£20 |
| Total | £1,310 | £1,700 | Japan +£390 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$2,630
C$170 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$3,310
C$290 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$710 | C$1,500 | Japan +C$790 |
| Food & drink | C$260 | C$350 | Japan +C$90 |
| Local transport | C$50 | C$70 | Japan +C$20 |
| Intercity trains | C$120 | C$5 | China +C$115 |
| Sights & tickets | C$75 | C$75 | Same |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$20 | C$20 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$35 | Japan +C$35 |
| Total | C$2,630 | C$3,310 | Japan +C$680 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$2,120
A$180 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$3,100
A$290 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$720 | A$1,510 | Japan +A$790 |
| Food & drink | A$260 | A$350 | Japan +A$90 |
| Local transport | A$50 | A$70 | Japan +A$20 |
| Intercity trains | A$120 | A$5 | China +A$115 |
| Sights & tickets | A$75 | A$75 | Same |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$20 | A$20 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$35 | Japan +A$35 |
| Total | A$2,120 | A$3,100 | Japan +A$980 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$2,930
$240 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$4,370
$500 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $1,044 | $2,530 | Japan +$1,486 |
| Food & drink | $326 | $434 | Japan +$108 |
| Local transport | $95 | $467 | Japan +$372 |
| Intercity trains | $140 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | $50 | $70 | Japan +$20 |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $16 | $16 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $25 | China +$115 |
| Total | $2,930 | $4,370 | Japan +$1,440 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,910
£180 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£3,280
£380 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £790 | £1,910 | Japan +£1,120 |
| Food & drink | £250 | £330 | Japan +£80 |
| Local transport | £70 | £350 | Japan +£280 |
| Intercity trains | £110 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | £40 | £55 | Japan +£15 |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £20 | Japan +£20 |
| Total | £1,910 | £3,280 | Japan +£1,370 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$3,780
C$340 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$6,290
C$710 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$1,490 | C$3,600 | Japan +C$2,110 |
| Food & drink | C$460 | C$620 | Japan +C$160 |
| Local transport | C$140 | C$660 | Japan +C$520 |
| Intercity trains | C$200 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | C$75 | C$100 | Japan +C$25 |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$20 | C$20 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$35 | Japan +C$35 |
| Total | C$3,780 | C$6,290 | Japan +C$2,510 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$3,280
A$340 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$6,100
A$720 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$1,500 | A$3,620 | Japan +A$2,120 |
| Food & drink | A$470 | A$620 | Japan +A$150 |
| Local transport | A$140 | A$670 | Japan +A$530 |
| Intercity trains | A$200 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | A$75 | A$100 | Japan +A$25 |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$20 | A$20 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$35 | Japan +A$35 |
| Total | A$3,280 | A$6,100 | Japan +A$2,820 |
China
Shanghai, then Beijing
$2,150
$85 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
CheaperTokyo, then Yokohama
$2,010
$110 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $578 | $855 | Japan +$277 |
| Food & drink | $147 | $208 | Japan +$61 |
| Local transport | $20 | $55 | Japan +$35 |
| Intercity trains | $85 | $5 | China +$80 |
| Sights & tickets | $35 | $10 | China +$25 |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $22 | $22 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $25 | China +$115 |
| Total | $2,150 | $2,010 | China +$140 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,310
£65 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£1,500
£85 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £440 | £650 | Japan +£210 |
| Food & drink | £110 | £160 | Japan +£50 |
| Local transport | £15 | £40 | Japan +£25 |
| Intercity trains | £65 | £5 | China +£60 |
| Sights & tickets | £25 | £5 | China +£20 |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £15 | £15 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £20 | Japan +£20 |
| Total | £1,310 | £1,500 | Japan +£190 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$2,650
C$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$2,950
C$160 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$820 | C$1,220 | Japan +C$400 |
| Food & drink | C$210 | C$300 | Japan +C$90 |
| Local transport | C$30 | C$80 | Japan +C$50 |
| Intercity trains | C$120 | C$5 | China +C$115 |
| Sights & tickets | C$50 | C$15 | China +C$35 |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$30 | C$30 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$40 | Japan +C$40 |
| Total | C$2,650 | C$2,950 | Japan +C$300 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$2,140
A$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$2,730
A$160 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$830 | A$1,220 | Japan +A$390 |
| Food & drink | A$210 | A$300 | Japan +A$90 |
| Local transport | A$30 | A$80 | Japan +A$50 |
| Intercity trains | A$120 | A$5 | China +A$115 |
| Sights & tickets | A$50 | A$15 | China +A$35 |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$30 | A$30 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$40 | Japan +A$40 |
| Total | A$2,140 | A$2,730 | Japan +A$590 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$2,470
$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$2,930
$210 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $746 | $1,584 | Japan +$838 |
| Food & drink | $260 | $353 | Japan +$93 |
| Local transport | $52 | $70 | Japan +$18 |
| Intercity trains | $85 | $5 | China +$80 |
| Sights & tickets | $50 | $50 | Same |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $22 | $22 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $25 | China +$115 |
| Total | $2,470 | $2,930 | Japan +$460 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,560
£90 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£2,210
£160 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £560 | £1,200 | Japan +£640 |
| Food & drink | £200 | £270 | Japan +£70 |
| Local transport | £40 | £55 | Japan +£15 |
| Intercity trains | £65 | £5 | China +£60 |
| Sights & tickets | £40 | £40 | Same |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £15 | £15 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £20 | Japan +£20 |
| Total | £1,560 | £2,210 | Japan +£650 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$3,120
C$170 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$4,260
C$290 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$1,060 | C$2,250 | Japan +C$1,190 |
| Food & drink | C$370 | C$500 | Japan +C$130 |
| Local transport | C$75 | C$100 | Japan +C$25 |
| Intercity trains | C$120 | C$5 | China +C$115 |
| Sights & tickets | C$75 | C$75 | Same |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$30 | C$30 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$40 | Japan +C$40 |
| Total | C$3,120 | C$4,260 | Japan +C$1,140 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$2,610
A$170 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$4,070
A$300 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$1,070 | A$2,270 | Japan +A$1,200 |
| Food & drink | A$370 | A$510 | Japan +A$140 |
| Local transport | A$75 | A$100 | Japan +A$25 |
| Intercity trains | A$120 | A$5 | China +A$115 |
| Sights & tickets | A$75 | A$75 | Same |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$30 | A$30 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$40 | Japan +A$40 |
| Total | A$2,610 | A$4,070 | Japan +A$1,460 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$3,630
$230 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$6,030
$520 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $1,555 | $3,795 | Japan +$2,240 |
| Food & drink | $465 | $620 | Japan +$155 |
| Local transport | $135 | $669 | Japan +$534 |
| Intercity trains | $140 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | $50 | $70 | Japan +$20 |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $22 | $22 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $25 | China +$115 |
| Total | $3,630 | $6,030 | Japan +$2,400 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£2,440
£180 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£4,540
£390 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £1,180 | £2,870 | Japan +£1,690 |
| Food & drink | £350 | £470 | Japan +£120 |
| Local transport | £100 | £510 | Japan +£410 |
| Intercity trains | £110 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | £40 | £55 | Japan +£15 |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £15 | £15 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £20 | Japan +£20 |
| Total | £2,440 | £4,540 | Japan +£2,100 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$4,760
C$330 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$8,660
C$730 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$2,210 | C$5,400 | Japan +C$3,190 |
| Food & drink | C$660 | C$880 | Japan +C$220 |
| Local transport | C$190 | C$950 | Japan +C$760 |
| Intercity trains | C$200 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | C$75 | C$100 | Japan +C$25 |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$30 | C$30 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$40 | Japan +C$40 |
| Total | C$4,760 | C$8,660 | Japan +C$3,900 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$4,270
A$340 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$8,500
A$740 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$2,230 | A$5,440 | Japan +A$3,210 |
| Food & drink | A$670 | A$890 | Japan +A$220 |
| Local transport | A$190 | A$960 | Japan +A$770 |
| Intercity trains | A$200 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | A$75 | A$100 | Japan +A$25 |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$30 | A$30 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$40 | Japan +A$40 |
| Total | A$4,270 | A$8,500 | Japan +A$4,230 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$2,480
$85 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$2,520
$120 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $836 | $1,245 | Japan +$409 |
| Food & drink | $206 | $293 | Japan +$87 |
| Local transport | $28 | $80 | Japan +$52 |
| Intercity trains | $85 | $5 | China +$80 |
| Sights & tickets | $35 | $10 | China +$25 |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $31 | $31 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $30 | China +$110 |
| Total | $2,480 | $2,520 | Japan +$40 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,570
£65 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£1,880
£90 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £630 | £940 | Japan +£310 |
| Food & drink | £160 | £220 | Japan +£60 |
| Local transport | £20 | £60 | Japan +£40 |
| Intercity trains | £65 | £5 | China +£60 |
| Sights & tickets | £25 | £5 | China +£20 |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £25 | £25 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £25 | Japan +£25 |
| Total | £1,570 | £1,880 | Japan +£310 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$3,130
C$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$3,670
C$170 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$1,190 | C$1,770 | Japan +C$580 |
| Food & drink | C$290 | C$420 | Japan +C$130 |
| Local transport | C$40 | C$110 | Japan +C$70 |
| Intercity trains | C$120 | C$5 | China +C$115 |
| Sights & tickets | C$50 | C$15 | China +C$35 |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$45 | C$45 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$45 | Japan +C$45 |
| Total | C$3,130 | C$3,670 | Japan +C$540 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$2,630
A$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$3,460
A$170 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$1,200 | A$1,780 | Japan +A$580 |
| Food & drink | A$300 | A$420 | Japan +A$120 |
| Local transport | A$40 | A$110 | Japan +A$70 |
| Intercity trains | A$120 | A$5 | China +A$115 |
| Sights & tickets | A$50 | A$15 | China +A$35 |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$45 | A$45 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$45 | Japan +A$45 |
| Total | A$2,630 | A$3,460 | Japan +A$830 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$2,940
$120 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$3,840
$210 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $1,080 | $2,307 | Japan +$1,227 |
| Food & drink | $364 | $495 | Japan +$131 |
| Local transport | $73 | $100 | Japan +$27 |
| Intercity trains | $85 | $5 | China +$80 |
| Sights & tickets | $50 | $50 | Same |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $31 | $31 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $30 | China +$110 |
| Total | $2,940 | $3,840 | Japan +$900 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£1,930
£90 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£2,890
£160 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £820 | £1,750 | Japan +£930 |
| Food & drink | £280 | £370 | Japan +£90 |
| Local transport | £55 | £75 | Japan +£20 |
| Intercity trains | £65 | £5 | China +£60 |
| Sights & tickets | £40 | £40 | Same |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £25 | £25 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £25 | Japan +£25 |
| Total | £1,930 | £2,890 | Japan +£960 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$3,790
C$170 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$5,550
C$300 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$1,540 | C$3,280 | Japan +C$1,740 |
| Food & drink | C$520 | C$700 | Japan +C$180 |
| Local transport | C$100 | C$140 | Japan +C$40 |
| Intercity trains | C$120 | C$5 | China +C$115 |
| Sights & tickets | C$75 | C$75 | Same |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$45 | C$45 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$45 | Japan +C$45 |
| Total | C$3,790 | C$5,550 | Japan +C$1,760 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$3,280
A$170 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$5,360
A$300 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$1,550 | A$3,300 | Japan +A$1,750 |
| Food & drink | A$520 | A$710 | Japan +A$190 |
| Local transport | A$100 | A$140 | Japan +A$40 |
| Intercity trains | A$120 | A$5 | China +A$115 |
| Sights & tickets | A$75 | A$75 | Same |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$45 | A$45 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$45 | Japan +A$45 |
| Total | A$3,280 | A$5,360 | Japan +A$2,080 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
$4,570
$230 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
$8,350
$530 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,105 | $813 | China +$292 |
| Hotels | $2,251 | $5,580 | Japan +$3,329 |
| Food & drink | $651 | $868 | Japan +$217 |
| Local transport | $190 | $942 | Japan +$752 |
| Intercity trains | $140 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | $50 | $70 | Japan +$20 |
| eSIM data | $13 | $12 | China +$1 |
| Travel insurance | $31 | $31 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | $140 | $30 | China +$110 |
| Total | $4,570 | $8,350 | Japan +$3,780 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
£3,150
£180 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
£6,300
£400 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £630 | £590 | China +£40 |
| Hotels | £1,700 | £4,220 | Japan +£2,520 |
| Food & drink | £490 | £660 | Japan +£170 |
| Local transport | £140 | £710 | Japan +£570 |
| Intercity trains | £110 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | £40 | £55 | Japan +£15 |
| eSIM data | £10 | £10 | Same |
| Travel insurance | £25 | £25 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | £0 | £25 | Japan +£25 |
| Total | £3,150 | £6,300 | Japan +£3,150 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
C$6,110
C$330 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
C$11,960
C$760 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | C$1,370 | C$1,240 | China +C$130 |
| Hotels | C$3,200 | C$7,940 | Japan +C$4,740 |
| Food & drink | C$930 | C$1,230 | Japan +C$300 |
| Local transport | C$270 | C$1,340 | Japan +C$1,070 |
| Intercity trains | C$200 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | C$75 | C$100 | Japan +C$25 |
| eSIM data | C$20 | C$15 | China +C$5 |
| Travel insurance | C$45 | C$45 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | C$0 | C$45 | Japan +C$45 |
| Total | C$6,110 | C$11,960 | Japan +C$5,850 |
China
CheaperShanghai, then Beijing
A$5,610
A$340 a day on the ground · per person
Japan
Tokyo, then Yokohama
A$11,810
A$760 a day on the ground · per person
| Per person | China | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | A$850 | A$1,020 | Japan +A$170 |
| Hotels | A$3,220 | A$7,990 | Japan +A$4,770 |
| Food & drink | A$930 | A$1,240 | Japan +A$310 |
| Local transport | A$270 | A$1,350 | Japan +A$1,080 |
| Intercity trains | A$200 | — | |
| Sights & tickets | A$75 | A$100 | Japan +A$25 |
| eSIM data | A$20 | A$15 | China +A$5 |
| Travel insurance | A$45 | A$45 | Same |
| Visa, entry fees & taxes | A$0 | A$45 | Japan +A$45 |
| Total | A$5,610 | A$11,810 | Japan +A$6,200 |
The cheaper amount on each line is in bold. Flights leave from the usual airport for your passport. Same travel month for both countries.
Beyond the price
| China | Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Visa-free for short stays for UK, Canadian and Australian passports. US citizens need a visa or 240-hour transit. | Visa-free short stays for US, UK, Canadian and Australian passports. |
| Paying | Alipay and WeChat Pay almost everywhere. Set them up before you fly. | Cards widely accepted. Cash still common in small places. |
| Mobile data | Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked on local networks. Use a travel eSIM. | No blocked apps. Any eSIM works. |
| Getting around | High-speed trains are frequent. Book with your passport details. | The Shinkansen is fast but costs more per kilometre. |
| Language | Less English outside big hotels. A translation app helps. | Signs in English on most transport. |
| Crowds | Avoid Golden Week (early October) and Spring Festival. | Avoid cherry blossom season and Golden Week. |