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

Should you visit Mashiko or Rockhampton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Rockhampton, 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. See Mashiko travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a natural, rural, and traditional town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Mashiko and Rockhampton: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Mashiko or Rockhampton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rockhampton. Although Mashiko and Rockhampton are popular destinations, Rockhampton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rockhampton is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is famous for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Rockhampton is famous for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also well known for the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

How is Mashiko different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a great town 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 Rockhampton can be an interesting and educational experience. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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 Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

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

Rockhampton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton has a few options to choose from. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

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 Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Rockhampton has a beach worth visiting. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.


Is Mashiko or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

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

Many visitors go to Rockhampton for the hiking trails. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

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 Rockhampton?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Mashiko is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Mashiko or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Mashiko and Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.


Is Mashiko or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Mashiko and Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

Is Mashiko or Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

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 Rockhampton Better for Students?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Mashiko is not popular with students.


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

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Mashiko is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Mashiko or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Mashiko
Rockhampton

Mashiko is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Mashiko or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rockhampton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rockhampton.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Mashiko or Rockhampton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mashiko 1-2 
    Rockhampton 2-4

One day in Mashiko or Rockhampton?

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Rockhampton?

Because Mashiko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Rockhampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton or Mashiko?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mashiko is $83, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $208. 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 Rockhampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mashiko $34
    Rockhampton $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mashiko $68
    Rockhampton $204
Compare Hotels in Mashiko and Rockhampton

Looking for a hotel in Mashiko or Rockhampton? 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 Rockhampton


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: Rockhampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mashiko $12
    Rockhampton $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Mashiko or Rockhampton?

Prices for flights to both Rockhampton 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 $41
    Rockhampton $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mashiko $9.17
    Rockhampton $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mashiko $5.31
    Rockhampton $13


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


Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mashiko is cooler than Rockhampton in the summer. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

Rockhampton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mashiko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rockhamptonin January. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F) 
    Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Mashiko is cooler than Rockhampton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mashiko in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in April.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mashiko usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton this time of year.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Mashiko is generally much colder than Rockhamptonin July. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 3°C (38°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In January, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin July. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F) 
    Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton for the beaches and the small town charm.

Mashiko is much colder than Rockhampton in the spring. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Mashiko

Mashiko Rockhampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)