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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Cromwell? 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. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

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

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Fuji
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cromwell. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Cromwell has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cromwell is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. It is also home to the big fruit.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

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


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

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 Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell 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 Cromwell has a few options to choose from. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

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


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very popular for hiking. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

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

Cromwell has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Cromwell.

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.

Cromwell is a very family-friendly place to visit. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known 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 Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Cromwell

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

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

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

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

Families should spend more time in Cromwell than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cromwell, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cromwell than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cromwell that are perfect 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 Cromwell 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.


  • How many days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 2-4 
    Cromwell 1-2

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

The beautiful national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historical destination of Cromwell offers skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cromwell?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cromwell. 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 Cromwell has to offer.


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural town of Cromwell. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $88, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $81. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $52
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Cromwell? 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park


Hotels in Cromwell


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: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices and Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $26
    Cromwell $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hakone Resorts to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Transfer: $242
  • Hakone to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Private Departure Transfer: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $20
    Cromwell $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $11
    Cromwell $16

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Custom Private Tour in Hakone with Optional Hot Springs Experience: $300
  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $26
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $155
  • Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $181
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour : $245
  • Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour: $226
  • Hakone for Children to Enjoy! Japanese Crafts Experience: $174
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone hotels to Grandberry Park: $134
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone to Gotemba Premium Outlets: $134
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone to Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama: $156
  • Supreme Sencha: Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone: $129
  • Tour around Mount Fuji group from 2 people ¥32,000: $209

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cromwell.

  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $148
  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.39
    Cromwell $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cromwell

Also in Cromwell, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wines and Views: Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstow: $1,488


When comparing the travel costs between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Cromwell, 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. Even though Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is in Asia and Cromwell is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Cromwell Expensive?.


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