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

Should you visit Aqaba or Mashiko?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Mashiko, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Mashiko?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Aqaba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
  • Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
  • Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
  • Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
  • Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Ma'in Hotel: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $42
    Mashiko $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
  • 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
  • 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
  • Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
  • 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
  • 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Mashiko $5.13


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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Mashiko?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Aqaba or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Mashiko. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Mashiko. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mashiko can get quite cold in the winter. Aqaba is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Aqaba

Aqaba Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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