A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Mashiko vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park, 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. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Mashiko and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mashiko. Although Mashiko and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Mashiko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mashiko is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mashiko is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. It is also well known for Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Mashiko different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Mashiko area. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a moderate town for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park 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, Shiretoko National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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 Shiretoko National Park?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mashiko is known to be 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly town. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko and Shiretoko National Park are both superb 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.


Is Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Mashiko
Shiretoko National Park

Mashiko is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit 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.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.


For even more information, also check out Is Mashiko Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mashiko than Shiretoko National Park 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 Mashiko.


  • How many days in Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mashiko 1-2 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park?

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Mashiko is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Mashiko is a great place to explore. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Mashiko?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mashiko is $65, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $75. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mashiko $33
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mashiko $66
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Mashiko and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mashiko $11
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mashiko $8.96
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mashiko $5.19
    Shiretoko National Park $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mashiko and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Shiretoko National Park is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shiretoko National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Mashiko during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

Mashiko is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Shiretoko National Park. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mashiko is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mashiko in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Shiretoko National Park. Many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. In January, Mashiko is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 3°C (38°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Mashiko often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Mashiko usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. Mashiko is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during spring. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In April, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Mashiko

Mashiko Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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