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

Should you visit Hongcun or Mashiko?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Mashiko can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Hongcun or Mashiko?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.

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

When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Mashiko. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In the autumn, Hongcun is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. It's quite cold in Hongcun in the winter. In January, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Mashiko. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Hongcun