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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Nelson? 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. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Nelson

Nelson is a adventure-filled, natural, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nelson than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nelson is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its museums & sights and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Nelson is well known for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. Also, Nelson is famous for Abel Tasman National Park.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

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

Nelson has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

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 Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Nelson 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 Nelson has a few options to choose from. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

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

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

Nelson is an amazing city 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 Nelson. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

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

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

If you're looking to go hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nelson both have terrific 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 Nelson specifically for its hiking. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

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

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

Nelson has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

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

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

Nelson is an amazing city 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, Nelson is a very family-friendly destination. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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 Nelson Better for Couples?

Nelson is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Nelson makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Nelson is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Nelson, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city 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 mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Nelson is a great city 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.

Nelson is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting?.

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

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

In either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

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

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

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

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 beautiful destination of Nelson offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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 Nelson?

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 Nelson. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

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.

Nelson is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nelson has to offer.

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

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the majestic 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 outdoorsy city of Nelson. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nelson, we can see that Nelson is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is in Asia and Nelson is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Nelson Expensive?.