Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Mashiko?
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 Mashiko. 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 Mashiko?
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.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Mashiko $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, 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 Hangzhou and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Mashiko $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Mashiko $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $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
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko 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
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Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $18Mashiko $23
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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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
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- 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 and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Mashiko $8.85
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
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Mashiko $5.13
When comparing the travel costs between Hangzhou and Mashiko, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Mashiko?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Mashiko in the Summer?
Both Mashiko and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Mashiko averages at about 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 Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Mashiko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Mashiko. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Mashiko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Mashiko. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. Hangzhou is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Mashiko. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Mashiko in the Spring?
Both Mashiko and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.
In the spring, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.