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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Napier? 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Napier

Napier is a character-filled, coastal, and relaxed town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Napier than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Napier is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Napier is well known for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. Also, Napier is famous for the art deco architecture.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Napier and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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.

Many visitors head to Napier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

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

Napier 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.

Napier has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

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 Napier Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Napier has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

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

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

Napier is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Napier. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Napier. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

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

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

Napier has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

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

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

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

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.

Napier is a very family-friendly place to visit. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

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

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Napier make for a great 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.

Napier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

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

For backpackers, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Napier are great 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 Napier. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good 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 Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very good for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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

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

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

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Napier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than in Napier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Napier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napier 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 Napier.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The character-filled destination of Napier offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Napier?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Napier is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Napier?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed town of Napier. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Napier, we can see that Napier 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 Napier 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 Napier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napier 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 Napier Expensive?.