Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Harbin 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 Harbin and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Mashiko?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, 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 Harbin and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Mashiko $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Harbin 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.Harbin $1.52Mashiko $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $24Mashiko $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Mashiko $9.17
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Mashiko $5.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Mashiko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mashiko than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Mashiko?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Harbin 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 Harbin or Mashiko?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Harbin or Mashiko in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Mashiko. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Harbin is around the same temperature as Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHarbin 24°C (75°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Mashiko in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Mashiko. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHarbin 7°C (44°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Mashiko in the Winter?
Both Mashiko and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Mashiko can be very cold during winter. Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. Harbin is much colder than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Mashiko in the Spring?
Both Mashiko and Harbin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHarbin 8°C (46°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Harbin
| Harbin | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.