A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Koyasan vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Koyasan or Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko 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 spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The beauty of Shiretoko National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Koyasan and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koyasan. Although Koyasan and Shiretoko National Park are both popular with visitors, Koyasan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koyasan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Shiretoko National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is also home to Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Shiretoko National Park is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Koyasan different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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).

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koyasan area. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park offer decent nightlife.

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

The nightlife scene is quiet in Shiretoko National Park Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Shiretoko National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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 Shiretoko National Park More Beautiful?

Shiretoko National Park is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Shiretoko National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Both Koyasan and Shiretoko National Park are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koyasan. 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.

Shiretoko National Park offers lots of family activities. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Koyasan has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its walkability.

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

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko 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 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koyasan than Shiretoko 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.

One day in Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park?

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koyasan is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during summer. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koyasan is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Koyasan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the winter. Koyasan is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Koyasan usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koyasan or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Koyasan during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. In the spring, Koyasan is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the spring, Koyasan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Koyasan