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

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Lake Tekapo?

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Lake Tekapo? 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 majestic, dramatic, and iconic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very popular for its museums & sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its shopping and small town charm. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. It is also well known for Mount Fuji. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Lake Tekapo can be difficult as they are each reasonable 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Lake Tekapo offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

People don't go to Lake Tekapo for the nightlife. This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

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

Lake Tekapo is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

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

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

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

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.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Lake Tekapo are nice 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.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

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

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Lake Tekapo?

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

Families should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the majestic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The remote destination of Lake Tekapo offers . 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the majestic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Lake Tekapo?

The dramatic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the remote town of Lake Tekapo. 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

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

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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.