A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mashiko vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mashiko or Melbourne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Melbourne, 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. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Melbourne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne. Although Mashiko and Melbourne are both popular with visitors, Melbourne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Melbourne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Mashiko is known for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Mashiko different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Melbourne has something for everybody. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Mashiko or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Melbourne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Mashiko and Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Mashiko or Melbourne Better for Families?

Mashiko and Melbourne are both very good 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.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Mashiko or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Mashiko is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Mashiko makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Melbourne is a good town for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Mashiko or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

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 Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Mashiko is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Mashiko or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Mashiko and Melbourne are very good 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.

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Melbourne?

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

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

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

One day in Mashiko or Melbourne?

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Melbourne?

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Melbourne?

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Melbourne?

Mashiko is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

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

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

In July, Mashiko is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 24°C (75°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mashiko or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Melbourne. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Mashiko is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mashiko usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mashiko or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne this time of year.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In the winter, Mashiko is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mashiko in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

Mashiko usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mashiko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Melbournein July. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mashiko or Melbourne in the Spring?

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

In April, Mashiko is generally cooler than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 12°C (53°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Mashiko