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

Should you visit Wuyuan or Mashiko?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Wuyuan and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Wuyuan or Mashiko?

Wuyuan

Wuyuan, China is a small city in the Jiangxi Province in the south central area of the country. The city acts as a transport hub for the province, with many main bus routes running through it. Wuyuan also acts as the main thoroughfare when traveling to local remote villages in the area. It is best to know some Mandarin as this region does not see many non-Mandarin speaking tourists, which also means you should expect some very friendly attention!

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan or Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Wuyuan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wuyuan is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wuyuan in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Wuyuan. In July, Wuyuan usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Wuyuan gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wuyuan or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Wuyuan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Wuyuan is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Wuyuan average around 20°C (68°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wuyuan usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Wuyuan gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wuyuan or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wuyuan and Mashiko. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mashiko can be very cold during winter. Wuyuan is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Wuyuan averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Wuyuan usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Wuyuan gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wuyuan or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wuyuan as well as Mashiko. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Wuyuan is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wuyuan in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Wuyuan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Wuyuan usually gets more rain in April than Mashiko. Wuyuan gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Wuyuan