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

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

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a majestic, dramatic, and iconic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations, Beijing has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Beijing 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 Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

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

Beijing is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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

Beijing and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Students?

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

Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

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

Beijing is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its public transit.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. 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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beijing due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, 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 Beijing. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

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

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer.

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 Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

Beijing can be very cold during winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Beijing