A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Sado for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Families

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

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

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

Sado

Sado is a off-the-beaten-path, traditional, and cultural island. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sado than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sado is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Sado is well known for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis. Also, Sado is famous for .

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Sado 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 Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

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

Sado has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

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 Sado Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife scene is quiet in Sado This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

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

Sado is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sado has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Sado is a family-friendly national park. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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 quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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.

Sado is not a very walkable national park. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado offers food and museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This island 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 Sado?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

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

You'll find museums around the majestic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sado 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 Sado?

The world renowned national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path island of Sado. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sado, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than you might in Sado.

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 Sado Expensive?.

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Sado and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the summer, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Sado. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Sado averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. 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 Sado. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sado. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 18°C (64°F), and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sado receives a lot of rain in the autumn. 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 Sado. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Sado. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Sado in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sado can get quite cold in the winter. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Sado in the winter. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Sado. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Sado and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Sado averages at about 10°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Sado. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

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