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

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

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

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

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

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

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Fuji
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. It is also well known for Mount Fuji. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a moderate national park for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park both have fantastic 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 Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known to be 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly national park. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park make for a very good 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

For backpackers, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park are very good 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.


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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Shiretoko National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Shiretoko National Park. In our opinion, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Shiretoko National Park. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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


  • How many days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 2-4 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

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

You'll find museums around the dramatic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The national park destination of Shiretoko National Park offers . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $88, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $52
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Shiretoko National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park


Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices and Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $26
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hakone to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Private Departure Transfer: $154
  • Hakone Resorts to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Transfer: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $20
    Shiretoko National Park $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $11
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $26
  • Supreme Sencha: Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone: $132
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone hotels to Grandberry Park: $134
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone to Gotemba Premium Outlets: $134
  • Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour: $145
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone to Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama: $155
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $159
  • Hakone for Children to Enjoy! Japanese Crafts Experience: $179
  • Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $185
  • Tour around Mount Fuji group from 2 people ¥32,000: $211
  • Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour: $231
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.39
    Shiretoko National Park $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko 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 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 Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.



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

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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 Shiretoko National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shiretoko National Park. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

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 Shiretoko National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Shiretoko National Park. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

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

Both Shiretoko National Park and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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