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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Picton? 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. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Picton. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Picton are popular destinations, Picton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Picton is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its museums & sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for the Queen Charlotte Track.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Picton 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.

Picton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Picton is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

Picton doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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

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

Picton is a great town for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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 explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

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

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

Picton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

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

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

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

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.

Picton is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Picton 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.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

For backpackers, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Picton are superb 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Picton 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.

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 scenic destination of Picton offers food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Picton?

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 Picton. 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 Picton has to offer.

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

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.

Picton is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the world renowned 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 picturesque town of Picton. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Picton, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Picton. The autumn months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In the autumn, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Picton. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much colder than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Picton. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Picton and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

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