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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Mashiko? 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. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mashiko. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Mashiko are popular destinations, Mashiko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mashiko is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Mashiko is famous for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. It is also well known for Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

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 Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Mashiko doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

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

Mashiko is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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

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

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

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.

Mashiko is a very family-friendly place to visit. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Mashiko make for a very good 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.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Mashiko both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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

Mashiko is a great town 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.

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

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

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

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

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

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

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Mashiko?

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Mashiko has to offer.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a fun place to experience. 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 Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mashiko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Mashiko, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Mashiko.

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 Mashiko Expensive?.

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

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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mashiko and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Mashiko 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Mashiko. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Mashiko. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Mashiko. The spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. 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 Mashiko. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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