A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Mashiko? 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.

Where Should I go: Dalian or Mashiko?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, 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 Dalian and Mashiko, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dalian or Mashiko?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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 Dalian or Mashiko?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dalian or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dalian is around the same temperature as Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dalian or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Dalian is around the same temperature as Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Mashiko. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. Dalian can be very cold during winter. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dalian or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Mashiko. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Dalian is cooler than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Dalian