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

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Jaisalmer 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: Jaisalmer or Mashiko?

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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 India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Jaisalmer?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, 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 Jaisalmer and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaisalmer $13
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaisalmer $26
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer


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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
  • Jaipur to Jaisalmer Transfer: $170
  • Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
  • From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
  • From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
  • One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Jaisalmer 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
    Jaisalmer $13
    Mashiko $23
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $28
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
  • Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
  • Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
  • DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
  • Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
  • DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Mashiko $8.85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.59

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

  • Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
  • 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $56
  • 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $210
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
  • 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $203
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $180
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $168
  • 4-Day Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $270
  • 8 Days Private Tour Colors of Rajasthan from Jaisalmer: $246

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaisalmer $9.23
    Mashiko $5.13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Mashiko?

Jaisalmer has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer 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.

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