Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) 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: Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko?
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
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 Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Mashiko $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, 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 Busan (Pusan) and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Mashiko $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) 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.
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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Mashiko $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Busan (Pusan) 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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $26Mashiko $23
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Mashiko $8.85
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Custom-made Car Tour （Private Tour）: $187
- Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Mashiko $5.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Mashiko, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko?
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 Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Mashiko. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko in the Autumn?
Both Mashiko and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 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, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko in the Winter?
Both Mashiko and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Mashiko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Mashiko. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.