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

Should you visit Ubud 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 Ubud 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.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ubud travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a traditional, rural, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Mashiko travel costs.

Ubud and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Mashiko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Mashiko are popular destinations, Ubud has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ubud is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Ubud is more touristy than Mashiko and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also well known for Tegallalang rice terrace. Mashiko is famous for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Ubud different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ubud is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ubud can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

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 Ubud or Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ubud 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, Ubud is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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 Ubud or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Ubud 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 Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

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 Ubud or Mashiko Better for Resorts?

Ubud is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Ubud offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Ubud is a great town for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Mashiko?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Mashiko and Ubud.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Ubud or Mashiko More Beautiful?

Ubud is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Mashiko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ubud or Mashiko Better for Couples?

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

Ubud has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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 Ubud or Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ubud. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

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

Mashiko is a good destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Mashiko, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Ubud or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Ubud and Mashiko both are great when exploring on foot.

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

Mashiko is very walkable. 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 Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ubud or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ubud than Mashiko because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mashiko.

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

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

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

One day in Ubud or Mashiko?

In Ubud, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town 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 museums and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Mashiko?

In Ubud, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Mashiko is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Mashiko?

Ubud is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ubud has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. In Ubud, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Because Mashiko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Mashiko?

Ubud has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Ubud 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.