A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Spanning the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a natural area with beautiful scenery as well as a number of popular tourist spots. Some of its highlights include Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a geographic range of natural hot springs, coastlines, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Hangzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $88. 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 Hangzhou and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? 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 Hangzhou


Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
  • Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hakone Resorts to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Transfer: $242
  • Hakone to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Private Departure Transfer: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $20
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $11

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $227
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $26
  • Supreme Sencha: Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone: $129
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone hotels to Grandberry Park: $134
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone to Gotemba Premium Outlets: $134
  • Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour: $142
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $155
  • Private Shopping Tour from Hakone to Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama: $156
  • Hakone for Children to Enjoy! Japanese Crafts Experience: $174
  • Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $181
  • Tour around Mount Fuji group from 2 people ¥32,000: $209
  • Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour: $226
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour : $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.39


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.



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

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 Hangzhou or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Also, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F)

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

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F)

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

Hangzhou Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)