A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Harbin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Harbin? 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: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Harbin?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Spanning the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a natural area with beautiful scenery as well as a number of popular tourist spots. Some of its highlights include Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a geographic range of natural hot springs, coastlines, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

Harbin

Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.


Which place is cheaper, Harbin 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 $95, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $56. 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 Harbin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $56
    Harbin $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $112
    Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Harbin

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


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $28
    Harbin $1.54

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 to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Private Departure Transfer: $159
  • Hakone Resorts to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Transfer: $248

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin

Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
  • Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
  • Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
  • Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $117
  • Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $117
  • Private Transfer to China's Snow Town from Yabuli Ski Resort: $107
  • Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
  • Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
  • Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
  • Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
  • Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59

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

Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $21
    Harbin $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin

For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbin Private City and Food Tour: $200
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
  • Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $12
    Harbin $54

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 a Certified Local Guide: $300
  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $41
  • Experience the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hotspring: $14
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $172
  • Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $200
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour : $262
  • Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour: $241
  • Hakone for Children to Enjoy! Japanese Crafts Experience: $186
  • Kimono, Tea Experience and Handcraft Bonsai in Hakone Gora: $76
  • Mount Fuji Cultural and Geological Discovery Tour: $83
  • Mount Fuji Scenic E-Bike Tour: $83
  • Mt. Fuji E-Bike Cycling Tour with Sushi making experience: $228

Tours and Activities in Harbin

For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
  • 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
  • 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
  • From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
  • Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
  • Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
  • Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
  • Harbin Ice Festival /Harbin Ice and Snow World Entrance Ticket: $100
  • Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
  • Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
  • Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $9.05
    Harbin $8.05

Sample the Local Flavors in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park:

  • Private Fuji Spring Water Alcohol Distillery Tour hotel Pick-up: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Harbin, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.

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 Harbin Expensive?.



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

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 Harbin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Harbin. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Harbin. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 26°C (78°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Harbin 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 more rain than Harbin. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F) 
    Harbin 24°C (75°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Harbin. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Harbin 7°C (44°F)

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

Both Harbin and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Harbin can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Harbin. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Harbin -18°C (-0°F)

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

Both Harbin and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 14°C (57°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

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 April than Harbin. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F) 
    Harbin 8°C (46°F)

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Harbin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) -18°C (-0°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -14°C (7°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in) -3°C (26°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in) 21°C (70°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) -4°C (24°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -14°C (7°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)


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