A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mashiko vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mashiko or Cairns?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Cairns, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Cairns?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cairns. Although Mashiko and Cairns are popular destinations, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its museums, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Cairns is more touristy than Mashiko and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Mashiko is famous for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Mashiko different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairns and Mashiko. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mashiko or Cairns?

Mashiko is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mashiko. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Cairns is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Cairns is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cairns specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cairns are among the best in the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Cairns draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. 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 Mashiko or Cairns?

If you're looking to go shopping, Mashiko and Cairns both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Mashiko is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Couples?

Mashiko and Cairns are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Mashiko or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Mashiko and Cairns both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Cairns has a few public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Mashiko or Cairns a more walkable city?

Mashiko is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Cairns?

In either Mashiko or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Mashiko because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cairns than Mashiko. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cairns that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Mashiko or Cairns?

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cairns, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mashiko or Cairns?

Mashiko is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairns, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mashiko or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Cairns?

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mashiko and Cairns, we can see that Cairns is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mashiko is in Asia and Cairns is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns 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 Mashiko Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Cairns?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Cairns, 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 Mashiko or Cairns?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cairns is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mashiko has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Mashiko or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Cairns. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mashiko is cooler than Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mashiko usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Mashiko or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Cairns. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cairns because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mashiko is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mashiko in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mashiko usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Mashiko or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Mashiko is generally much colder than Cairnsin July. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 3°C (38°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In January, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mashiko or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Mashiko during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches.

Mashiko is much colder than Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Mashiko