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

Should you visit Mashiko or Queenstown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Queenstown, 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 quaint, charming, and traditional town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Mashiko and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Queenstown than Mashiko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Queenstown is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is well known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Also, Queenstown is famous for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Mashiko different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mashiko or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Mashiko is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Queenstown is among the best in the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Mashiko is not a skiing destination.

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

Mashiko is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Queenstown is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Queenstown has something for everybody. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown 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, Queenstown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

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 Queenstown?

If you're looking to go shopping, Mashiko and Queenstown both offer plenty of great 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.

Queenstown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Mashiko or Queenstown Better for Families?

Mashiko and Queenstown are both great 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.

Queenstown is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Mashiko or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Queenstown has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Mashiko or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Queenstown, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko is not popular with students.

Queenstown is a great city to visit as a student. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Mashiko is not popular with students.

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

Mashiko and Queenstown both offer notable 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.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Mashiko or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Mashiko and Queenstown are great 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.

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Queenstown?

Both Mashiko and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Mashiko. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

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

One day in Mashiko or Queenstown?

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mashiko, one day is sufficent for most.

In Queenstown, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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 Queenstown?

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Queenstown, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Queenstown has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Queenstown?

Mashiko, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Queenstown?

Mashiko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. In Queenstown, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Queenstown?

Mashiko has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Queenstown, 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.