A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Mashiko?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Mashiko?

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Guangzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Mashiko Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guangzhou $104
    Mashiko $83

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Guangzhou and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Mashiko $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Mashiko? 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 Guangzhou


Hotels in Mashiko


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Mashiko $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
  • Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
  • Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
  • Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Guangzhou 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
    Guangzhou $34
    Mashiko $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Mashiko $9.17

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
  • 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
  • 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
  • 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
  • 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Mashiko $5.31


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Mashiko?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Mashiko, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Mashiko?

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 Guangzhou or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Guangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. In the summer, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Mashiko. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Guangzhou is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Mashiko. Additionally, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mashiko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Guangzhou is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mashiko. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.

In April, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)