A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Mashiko?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Mashiko. Additionally, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 4°C (40°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Mashiko. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)