A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mashiko vs. Hobart for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Mashiko or Hobart?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Hobart, 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 rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating, quaint, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko and Hobart: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Mashiko or Hobart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hobart. Although Mashiko and Hobart are both popular with visitors, Hobart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hobart is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and hiking, while Mashiko is known for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Hobart is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. It is also home to Battery Point.

How is Mashiko different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mashiko
Hobart

Hobart is a great city 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 Hobart can be an interesting and educational experience. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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 Mashiko or Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mashiko
Hobart

Hobart 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.

Hobart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

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 Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko
Hobart

Hobart is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Hobart has a few options to choose from. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

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 Hobart Better for Hiking?

Mashiko
Hobart

Hobart is a great city for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Hobart for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

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 Hobart?

Mashiko
Hobart

If you're looking to go shopping, Mashiko and Hobart both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Hobart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Is Mashiko or Hobart Better for Families?

Mashiko
Hobart

Mashiko and Hobart are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mashiko. 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.

Hobart is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Mashiko or Hobart Better for Couples?

Mashiko
Hobart

Mashiko and Hobart are both high quality 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.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.


Is Mashiko or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mashiko
Hobart

Hobart 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 Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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 Hobart Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mashiko
Hobart

Mashiko and Hobart both offer good 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.

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Mashiko or Hobart a more walkable city?

Mashiko
Hobart

Mashiko and Hobart are high quality when it comes to 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.

Hobart is very walkable. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mashiko and Hobart. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hobart than in Mashiko. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hobart.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Mashiko or Hobart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mashiko 1-2 
    Hobart 2-3

One day in Mashiko or Hobart?

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 Hobart, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Hobart?

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 Hobart, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hobart has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Hobart?

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.

Hobart 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 Mashiko or Hobart?

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 Hobart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Hobart or Mashiko?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mashiko is $64, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $134. 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 Mashiko and Hobart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mashiko $33
    Hobart $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mashiko $66
    Hobart $152
Compare Hotels in Mashiko and Hobart

Looking for a hotel in Mashiko or Hobart? 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 Mashiko


Hotels in Hobart


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: Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mashiko $11
    Hobart $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

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

  • Port Arthur Return Transfer, mimimum 4 passengers : $218
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Arthur Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Arthur Cruise Port : $50
  • Hobart to Hobart Int Airport (HBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $22
  • Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Mashiko or Hobart?

Prices for flights to both Hobart and Mashiko 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
    Mashiko $23
    Hobart $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mashiko $8.85
    Hobart $23

Tours and Activities in Hobart

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

  • Grand Hobart with Richmond Village Tour: $102
  • 3 day Tasmanian highlights tour – Hobart, Port Arthur and Bruny Island: $208
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $33
  • Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania: $25
  • Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour from Hobart: $77
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hobart: $76
  • Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch : $172
  • Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart: $175
  • Cruise Ship Wine Shore Excursion: $163
  • Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond: $118
  • Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart: $18
  • Easy Bike Tour - Mt Wellington Summit Descent & Rainforest Ride: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mashiko $5.13
    Hobart $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour with Tasmanian Cheese Platter: $135
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart and SE Tasmania: $144
  • 7- 8 Hour StelaVino Guided Wine Tours From Hobart, Tasmania: $182
  • From Drink Tasmania Whisky Distillery Tour: $195
  • Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $197
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings - Hobart/SE Tasmania: $229
  • Tasmanian Tipples: Hobart Distillery Discovery Tours: $229
  • 6 Hour Distillery Guided Tours in Tasmania with Lunch and Tasting: $231
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings in Hobart and SE Tasmania: $231


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mashiko and Hobart, we can see that Hobart 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 Hobart 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart 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 Hobart Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Hobart?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Hobart, 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 Hobart?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Hobart 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 Hobart in the Summer?

Both Hobart and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mashiko is generally a little warmer than Hobartin January. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 24°C (75°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Hobart. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during summer. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In July, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Hobartin January. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F) 
    Hobart 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Mashiko during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hobart in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Mashiko is a little warmer than Hobart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.

In the autumn, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Hobartin April. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in October than Hobartin April. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F) 
    Hobart 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Hobart in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Hobart. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mashiko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mashiko is much colder than Hobart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mashiko in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Hobart averages at about 9°C (47°F)in July.

Mashiko usually receives more sunshine than Hobart during winter. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mashiko usually receives less rain than Hobartin July. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F) 
    Hobart 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Hobart. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Mashiko is generally around the same temperature as Hobartin October. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 12°C (53°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. In the spring, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Hobartin October. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Hobartin October. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F) 
    Hobart 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Hobart and Mashiko

Mashiko Hobart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)