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

Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Mashiko?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $64. 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 Guilin and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $34
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $68
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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 Guilin


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.
    Guilin $5.76
    Mashiko $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Guilin 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
    Guilin $22
    Mashiko $23
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Mashiko $8.85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

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

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $79
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling and Yulong bamboo boat Private Tour: $94
  • 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
  • 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show: $89
  • 1-Day Guilin Xing'an Ling Canal Private Tour: $183
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.72
    Mashiko $5.13


When comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Mashiko, we can see that Guilin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Mashiko?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin 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 Guilin or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Guilin 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, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Mashiko in the Autumn?

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

Guilin is a little warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guilin 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, Guilin is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Mashiko. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Guilin 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, Guilin is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Guilin

Guilin Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)