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

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

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Wollongong? 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 dramatic, iconic, and world renowned national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Wollongong are popular destinations, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Wollongong 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 Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

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

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

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 Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Wollongong has something for everybody. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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

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

Wollongong is a great coastal city for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

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

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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 include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

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

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

Wollongong has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

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

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

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Wollongong.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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

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

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a great coastal city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its public transit.

Wollongong offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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.

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

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Wollongong is a very walkable destination. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Wollongong. In our opinion, Wollongong has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wollongong than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

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

With museums around the iconic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The vibrant destination of Wollongong offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

With museums around the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wollongong has to offer.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant coastal city of Wollongong. 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 The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

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

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

Both Wollongong and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Wollongong and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

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 October than Wollongongin April. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Wollongong. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much colder than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Wollongongin July. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Wollongong. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is cooler than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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