A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Mashiko for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Adelaide or Mashiko?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Mashiko can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Mashiko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Adelaide than Mashiko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Adelaide is better known for its nightlife and beaches, while Mashiko is more popular for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Also, Adelaide is famous for the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

How is Adelaide different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mashiko and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Mashiko?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Adelaide or Mashiko.

Adelaide is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Mashiko offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.


Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide
Mashiko

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Adelaide and Mashiko.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mashiko. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Adelaide has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Adelaide is a great city for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Adelaide. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.


Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Both Adelaide and Mashiko are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Mashiko offers some nice hiking trails. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Mashiko?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Adelaide and Mashiko.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Mashiko is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Families?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Mashiko is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Mashiko is a very family-friendly destination. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.


Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Mashiko is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Mashiko makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Students?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Mashiko is not popular with students.


Is Adelaide or Mashiko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Adelaide is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Adelaide. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Adelaide or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Mashiko

Adelaide and Mashiko are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Mashiko is a very walkable city. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Adelaide or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Adelaide than Mashiko because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mashiko.

Families should spend more time in Mashiko than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mashiko, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mashiko than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mashiko that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adelaide than Mashiko if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Adelaide.


  • How many days in Adelaide or Mashiko? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Mashiko 1-2

One day in Adelaide or Mashiko?

In Adelaide, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Adelaide or Mashiko?

In Adelaide, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adelaide has to offer.

Mashiko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mashiko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Mashiko?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mashiko is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Adelaide?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $109, 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 Adelaide and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $65
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $130
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide 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 Adelaide


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: Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $18
    Mashiko $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

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

  • Full-Day Private City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $490
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $252
  • Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $252
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $218
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Adelaide - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62
  • Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Adelaide 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
    Adelaide $31
    Mashiko $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

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

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $78
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $13
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

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

  • 2h Wine Experience, Vineyard walk, 6 wines, charcuterie board: $59
  • 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,630
  • 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,957
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $58
  • A Taste of Rundle Mall Walking Tour: $48
  • Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $98
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $121
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $45
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $52
  • Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $111
  • Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
  • Adelaide Hills Day Tour. Winery Cellar Doors: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $22
    Mashiko $5.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $42
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $78
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $110
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $110
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
  • Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
  • Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
  • Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Mashiko, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Mashiko?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide 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 Adelaide or Mashiko?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Adelaide is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mashiko has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Adelaide or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Mashiko. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Mashikoin July. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Mashikoin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Mashiko. The autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Mashikoin October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Mashikoin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. In the winter, Adelaide is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Mashikoin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

In October, Adelaide is generally a little warmer than Mashikoin April. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Mashikoin April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Mashikoin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Adelaide

Adelaide Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)