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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a quaint, charming, and traditional town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Shanghai and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Mashiko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Mashiko are both popular with visitors, Shanghai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is known for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Shanghai different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mashiko and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Mashiko?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai has a few options to choose from. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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 Shanghai or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Mashiko offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Mashiko?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Mashiko is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Shanghai or Mashiko Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Mashiko are great family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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.

Is Shanghai or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Shanghai or Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Mashiko Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Mashiko is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is a great port 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 Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Mashiko both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Shanghai or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Shanghai than Mashiko because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mashiko.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Mashiko?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Mashiko?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Mashiko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mashiko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Mashiko?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mashiko is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Mashiko?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Mashiko, 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 Shanghai or Mashiko?

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 Shanghai or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Mashiko. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Shanghai is a little warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Mashiko. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

In the spring, Shanghai is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mashiko during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Shanghai