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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Kaikoura? 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 iconic, world renowned, and majestic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a nature-oriented, biologically diverse, and unique town. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kaikoura. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Kaikoura are both popular with visitors, Kaikoura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kaikoura is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its museums & sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Kaikoura is popular for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. It is also home to its whale watching trips.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

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

Kaikoura is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kaikoura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

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 Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Kaikoura is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kaikoura has a few options to choose from. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

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

Kaikoura is a great town for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Kaikoura is considered a top beach destination. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

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

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

Kaikoura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

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

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

Kaikoura is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Kaikoura is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Kaikoura make for a high quality 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.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for couples. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

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

For backpackers, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Kaikoura are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. 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 quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Kaikoura 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.

Kaikoura is somewhat walkable. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Kaikoura. In our opinion, Kaikoura has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kaikoura than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

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

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 nature-oriented destination of Kaikoura offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

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 Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura has to offer.

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

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.

Kaikoura is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Kaikoura?

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 nightlife and food around the unique town of Kaikoura. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is in Asia and Kaikoura is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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 Kaikoura Expensive?.