A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Koyasan vs. Mashiko for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan 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.

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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a traditional, rural, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Koyasan and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Koyasan or Mashiko?

Both Mashiko and Koyasan have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Koyasan is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is known for its nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Koyasan different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Koyasan is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. 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).

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.


Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Foodies will find both Koyasan and Mashiko both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koyasan. 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.

Mashiko is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Koyasan or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Mashiko is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Mashiko is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

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.

Is Koyasan or Mashiko Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Koyasan is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Mashiko does not have a historic old town.

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

Mashiko does not have a historic old town.


Is Koyasan or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Hiking trails can be found around both Koyasan and Mashiko, and they are good.

Koyasan offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Mashiko is a good destination for hiking. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Mashiko?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Mashiko is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Mashiko is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Mashiko Better for Families?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Mashiko is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Mashiko is a very kid-friendly town. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Koyasan and Mashiko both great 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.

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Is Koyasan or Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Koyasan is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

Is Koyasan or Mashiko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan
Mashiko

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Mashiko.

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 Mashiko offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.


Is Koyasan or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Koyasan
Mashiko

Koyasan and Mashiko both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koyasan or Mashiko to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koyasan than Mashiko 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 Koyasan.


  • How many days in Koyasan or Mashiko? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koyasan 1-2 
    Mashiko 1-2

One day in Koyasan or Mashiko?

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Mashiko, you'll find museums and food. 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.

A weekend in Koyasan or Mashiko?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

In Mashiko, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer.


Five days in Koyasan or Mashiko?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Mashiko is a great place to explore. 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 Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mashiko. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Koyasan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koyasan is $79, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $65. 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 Koyasan and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koyasan $40
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koyasan $80
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Koyasan and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Koyasan 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 Koyasan


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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koyasan $33
    Mashiko $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Koyasan or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Koyasan 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
    Koyasan $19
    Mashiko $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koyasan $13
    Mashiko $8.96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koyasan $4.95
    Mashiko $5.19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koyasan and Mashiko, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Mashiko.

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



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

Both Mashiko and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koyasan is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In the summer, Koyasan often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Mashiko. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Koyasan is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Koyasan usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Mashiko. The winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine. 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. Koyasan is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Koyasan usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mashiko. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

In the spring, Koyasan is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Koyasan usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Koyasan

Koyasan Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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