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

Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Mashiko?

Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.

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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Mashiko


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Islamabad 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $15
    Mashiko $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Mashiko $5.13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Mashiko?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Islamabad is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Mashiko. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Mashiko. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Islamabad

Islamabad Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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