A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Food, Hiking, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bandung

Bandung is a laidback, cultural, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Bandung travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Bandung and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bandung than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bandung is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bandung is well known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. Also, Bandung is famous for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Bandung different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Bandung. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Bandung offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

Many visitors head to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Bandung is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bandung is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bandung has a few options to choose from. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Bandung specifically to go shopping. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park More Beautiful?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very family-friendly destination. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bandung and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park make for a high quality place to visit.

Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Couples visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Bandung is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great city to visit for backpackers. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Students?

Bandung is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bandung. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Bandung and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Bandung has some public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

You'll find some public transit in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Bandung is a very walkable destination. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bandung, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bandung than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bandung that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Bandung.

One day in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The laidback destination of Bandung offers shopping and museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bandung has to offer.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has to offer.

Five days in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Bandung is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in Bandung or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the laidback city of Bandung. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than you might in Bandung.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.