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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Mashiko?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Mashiko can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Mashiko?

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $64. 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 Shenzhen and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $89
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $178
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
  • Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
  • A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $116
  • Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $114
  • Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
  • Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
  • Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $20
    Mashiko $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
  • (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
  • 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
  • 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • 60 Minutes Virtual Reality Experience in Hong Kong: $37
  • A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
  • Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
  • Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
  • Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Mashiko $5.13


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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Mashiko?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Mashiko. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Mashiko. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In the autumn, Shenzhen is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mashiko. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Shenzhen gets 95 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Mashiko. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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