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

Should you visit Mashiko or Wollongong?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Wollongong, 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. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Mashiko travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Wollongong travel costs.

Mashiko and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong. Although Mashiko and Wollongong are popular destinations, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Mashiko different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wollongong is a great coastal 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 Wollongong can be an interesting and educational experience. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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 Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wollongong is a great coastal 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.

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

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 Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Wollongong has something for everybody. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wollongong. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Mashiko or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Mashiko and Wollongong are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Mashiko has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Wollongong?

Mashiko is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Mashiko or Wollongong Better for Families?

Mashiko and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Mashiko or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Mashiko and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Is Mashiko or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

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 Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Mashiko is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a great coastal 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 Wollongong. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

Mashiko and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Mashiko or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong 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 Wollongong.

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

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

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

One day in Mashiko or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

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 Wollongong, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Wollongong has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Wollongong?

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 Wollongong. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

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

Both Wollongong and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mashiko is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In July, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mashiko or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Mashiko during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mashiko is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mashiko in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

In the autumn, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin April. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mashiko or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Wollongong. The winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Mashiko is generally much colder than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 3°C (38°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mashiko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wollongongin July. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mashiko or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Wollongong. The small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Mashiko is cooler than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the spring, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin October. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Mashiko