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

Should you visit Shenyang or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Shenyang or Mashiko? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Shenyang or Mashiko?

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Shenyang and Mashiko, we can see that Shenyang 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 Shenyang Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Mashiko?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang 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 Shenyang or Mashiko?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shenyang or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Mashiko. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shenyang is around the same temperature as Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenyang in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenyang usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Shenyang gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shenyang or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Mashiko. Additionally, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Shenyang is generally much colder than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around 10°C (51°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In the autumn, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Shenyang gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Shenyang usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenyang or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. Shenyang can be very cold during winter. Shenyang is much colder than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around -11°C (13°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Shenyang usually receives less sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Shenyang gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shenyang or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Shenyang during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In the spring, Shenyang is cooler than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenyang in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenyang. In the spring, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Shenyang gets 241 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. Shenyang usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Shenyang