Should you visit Nikko or Mashiko?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Nikko and Mashiko can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
Mashiko
Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.
Which city is cheaper, Mashiko or Nikko?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $88, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $68. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Nikko and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $100 for a double occupancy room in Nikko If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
The prices for places to stay in Mashiko can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $36, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $72.
Food
Nikko food costs typically run travelers around $33 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
The average traveler spends about $25 per day in Mashiko for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Nikko $33
Mashiko $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nikko
For Nikko, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Nikko Guided Tour by Chartered Vehicle with Exclusive Lunch and Dinner:
$2,910
Local Transportation
Mashiko's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $12 per person, per day on transportation in Mashiko.
Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Nikko 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.
Entertainment
In Nikko, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $23 per person, per day.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Mashiko can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $9.50 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
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Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience:
$166
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Cycling and Fire Ceremony Experience in Oku-Nikko:
$1,551
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Exciting Nikko - One Day Tour from Tokyo:
$347
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Full Day Nikko Private Custom Tour from Tokyo by Chartered Vehicle:
$1,122
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Nikko 1 day private walking tour:
$430
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Nikko Custom Full Day Tour:
$260
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Nikko Custom Half Day Tour:
$149
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Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide:
$129
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Nikko Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide:
$103
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Nikko Private Tour by public transportation:
$289
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The Nikko National Park Bike Experience:
$172
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Trekking and Private Onsen Temple Tour in Nikko:
$1,474
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Nikko, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $16.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Mashiko, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $5.50.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Mashiko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko than you might in Mashiko.
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