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

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Surfers Paradise has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

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

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

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

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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

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

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place to visit for couples. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a few public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

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

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Surfers Paradise?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find museums around the majestic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The high energy destination of Surfers Paradise offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find museums around the iconic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Surfers Paradise has to offer.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Surfers Paradise?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The active city of Surfers Paradise offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise is more expensive. And not only is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is in Asia and Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise than you might in Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surfers Paradise. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. 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 Surfers Paradisein January. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradisein April. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Surfers Paradise and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much colder than Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein July. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Surfers Paradise and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

Surfers Paradise 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 April than Surfers Paradisein October. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park