A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Mashiko?

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 Abu Dhabi and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Mashiko?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $64. 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 Abu Dhabi and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Mashiko? 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 Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Mashiko


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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Mashiko $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
  • Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $273
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $273
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $273
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $273
  • Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
  • Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $273
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Ferrari World Theme Park and Seaworld Park Ticket with Transfer: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Abu Dhabi 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
    Abu Dhabi $45
    Mashiko $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
  • Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Mashiko $5.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Mashiko, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Mashiko is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Mashiko.

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


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Mashiko?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Mashiko, 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 Abu Dhabi or Mashiko?

Mashiko has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Mashiko. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Mashiko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mashiko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)