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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Rotorua? 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.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotorua. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Rotorua are popular destinations, Rotorua has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotorua is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also well known for Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Rotorua 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 Rotorua specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Rotorua has a few options to choose from. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

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

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

Rotorua has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

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

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

Rotorua is an amazing town 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, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an amazing town 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 Rotorua, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has a few public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Rotorua are nice when it comes to 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The diverse destination of Rotorua offers shopping and museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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 Rotorua has to offer.

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

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.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rotorua?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse town of Rotorua. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive?.

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Rotorua. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Rotorua. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Rotorua and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Rotorua and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is cooler than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

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 April than Rotoruain October. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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