A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Mashiko for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a quaint, charming, and traditional town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Bali and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Mashiko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali. Although Bali and Mashiko are both popular with visitors, Bali has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is known for its museums & sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bali is more touristy than Mashiko and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Bali different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mashiko is very good for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

People head to Bali just to party. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali or Mashiko Better for Resorts?

Bali is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

Bali is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great island for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. 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 Bali or Mashiko?

Both Bali and Mashiko are excellent shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Mashiko.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mashiko. 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.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Bali is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Bali or Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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

Both Bali and Mashiko offer good public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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

Is Bali or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Mashiko is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Bali?

How long in Bali or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bali or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Mashiko because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mashiko.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Mashiko?

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 museums and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Mashiko?

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Mashiko is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Mashiko?

Bali is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Because Mashiko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Bali and Mashiko, we can see that Bali is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Mashiko?

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

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

Should I visit Bali or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Mashiko. Bali 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.

In the summer, Bali is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Mashiko. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Mashiko in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bali is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Bali gets 266 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, Bali usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali 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. Bali is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mashiko. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Mashiko. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Mashiko in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Bali gets 226 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, Bali usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Bali