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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Atami? 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atami. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Atami are both popular with visitors, Atami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atami is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Atami and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches. It is also home to Kinomiya Shrine.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Atami is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Atami is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

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

Atami is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

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

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a popular place for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Atami is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

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

Atami is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Atami has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Atami is a good national park for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Atami both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Atami has a few public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Atami are good when it comes to 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.

Atami is somewhat walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

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

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

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

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

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

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, many people enjoy the museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The authentic destination of Atami offers shopping and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Atami has to offer.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Atami is a fun place to experience. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

You'll find museums around the dramatic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic town of Atami. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Atami, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.

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

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Atami. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 26°C (78°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Atami. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atami. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Atami and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the winter, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Atami and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches.

In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 14°C (57°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Atami. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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