A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Mashiko. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko?

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Cheju (Jeju) 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
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
    Mashiko $23
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Mashiko $5.13


When comparing the travel costs between Cheju (Jeju) and Mashiko, we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Mashiko. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Mashiko. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Mashiko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)