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

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound? 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 world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Milford Sound 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 and food, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. It is also well known for Mount Fuji. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great fiord for skiing. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Neither Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound offer decent nightlife.

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

People don't go to Milford Sound for the nightlife. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

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

If you're looking to go hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Milford Sound both have amazing 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 people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

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

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

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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Milford Sound make for a superb 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has some 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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable national park. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

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

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The world renowned destination of Milford Sound offers skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Milford Sound?

You'll find museums around the beautiful national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find skiing around the iconic fiord of Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.