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

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

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

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

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal, laid back, and relaxing town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tauranga. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Tauranga are popular destinations, Tauranga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tauranga is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, 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. Tauranga is famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for Mount Maunganui.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

Tauranga is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Tauranga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

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 Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Tauranga is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Tauranga has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

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

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

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

Tauranga is considered a top beach destination. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

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

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

Tauranga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

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

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

Tauranga 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, Tauranga is a very family-friendly destination. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Tauranga make for a high quality 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.

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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

Tauranga 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 Tauranga, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is somewhat walkable. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The beautiful national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The coastal destination of Tauranga offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Tauranga?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This national park offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back town of Tauranga. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Tauranga, we can see that Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tauranga 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 Tauranga Expensive?.