A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pai vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pai or Mashiko?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Mashiko. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Pai or Mashiko?

Pai

As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Pai?

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 Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Pai and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $16
    Mashiko $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $32
    Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Pai and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Mashiko? 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 Pai


Hotels in Mashiko


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: Pai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pai $42
    Mashiko $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Pai 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
    Pai $42
    Mashiko $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $46
    Mashiko $9.17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pai $15
    Mashiko $5.31


When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Mashiko, we can see that Pai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Pai or Mashiko?

Mashiko has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pai is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Pai usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Pai or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Mashiko. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Pai is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Pai or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. In the winter, Pai is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Pai or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Pai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Pai. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Pai

Pai Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)