A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Koyasan vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Hiking, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a majestic, dramatic, and iconic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koyasan. Although Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both popular with visitors, Koyasan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koyasan is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is also home to Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Koyasan different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koyasan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koyasan is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

While Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koyasan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Families should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Koyasan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koyasan than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koyasan that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than Koyasan if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

One day in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Koyasan Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koyasan is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koyasan is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Koyasan is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Koyasan usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koyasan is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koyasan