A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Hiking, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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 dramatic, iconic, and world renowned national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for Mount Fuji. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Chichibu-Tama-Kai can be difficult as they are each respectable in their own way.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Chichibu-Tama-Kai make for a excellent place to visit.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

Couples should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums around the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums around the majestic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find around the relaxing national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 18°C (64°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park