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

Should you visit Hefei or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Hefei or Mashiko? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hefei or Mashiko?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Hefei and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko 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 Hefei Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hefei or Mashiko?

Hefei has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Hefei 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 Hefei 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 Hefei or Mashiko in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hefei is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hefei in July average around 29°C (83°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 Hefei. Hefei usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hefei or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Mashiko. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 18°C (64°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hefei usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hefei or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Mashiko. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. Hefei can be very cold during winter. Hefei is around the same temperature as Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hefei usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hefei or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In the spring, Hefei is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hefei 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. In April, Hefei usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Hefei