Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo and Mashiko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Mashiko?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Mashiko $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, 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 Yangshuo and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Mashiko $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Mashiko $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Visit 100% primitive cave with Transfer: $97
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Longsheng hotel: $85
- Liusanjie Light Show with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $69
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Yangshuo 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
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Food Meals for one dayYangshuo $19Mashiko $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Mashiko $8.85
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- 1-Day Guilin City Tour with the Daxu Town and Yao Mountain from Yangshuo: $187
- 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces hiking tour from Guilin/Yangshuo hotel: $188
- 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car: $149
- 2 Day - Longji Rice Terraces - Sunrise Hiking Tour: $280
- Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages: $146
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Private Tour: $136
- Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City Tour: $139
- Guilin Tea plantation and Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Guilin Yangshuo Day tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Bullet Train: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Mashiko $5.13
When comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Mashiko, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Mashiko?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo or Mashiko in the Summer?
Both Mashiko and Yangshuo 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, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yangshuo in July average around 30°C (86°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 Yangshuo. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Mashiko in the Autumn?
Both Mashiko and Yangshuo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 23°C (73°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Mashiko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Mashiko. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Mashiko can be very cold during winter. Yangshuo is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Mashiko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Mashiko. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.
In the spring, Yangshuo is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yangshuo in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Mashiko. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.