Travel Budget for Mashiko Visit Mashiko on a Budget or Travel in Style

Mashiko, Tochigi-ken, Japan
Asia / Japan / Kanto /
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Mashiko is a charming town known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Mashiko?

A typical traveler spends $85 (¥12,323) per day on a trip to Mashiko. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Mashiko based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $42 (¥6,055) on meals
  • $12 (¥1,714) on local transportation
  • $70 (¥10,143) on hotels

A one-week trip to Mashiko for two people costs, on average, $1,193 (¥172,522). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $85
    ¥12,323
  • One Week Per person
    $596
    ¥86,261
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,193
    ¥172,522
  • One Month Per person
    $2,556
    ¥369,690
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,193
    ¥172,522
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,385
    ¥345,044
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,111
    ¥739,380
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Mashiko cost?

A one week trip to Mashiko usually costs around $596 (¥86,261) for one person and $1,193 (¥172,522) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Mashiko on average costs around $1,193 (¥172,522) for one person and $2,385 (¥345,044) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Mashiko will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Mashiko on average costs around $2,556 (¥369,690) for one person and $5,111 (¥739,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Mashiko expensive to visit?

In Mashiko, budget travelers spend $37 (¥5,391) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $85 (¥12,323) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $163 (¥23,548) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Mashiko.

Mashiko is a terrific town that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Mashiko can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

Within Asia, Mashiko is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Shenyang or Cheju (Jeju).

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mashiko Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Mashiko?

The average Mashiko trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mashiko travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mashiko cost?

Mashiko on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$15
(¥2,219) 		$35
(¥5,072) 		$67
(¥9,691)
Local Transportation1 $5
(¥750) 		$12
(¥1,714) 		$23
(¥3,276)
Food2 $18
(¥2,649) 		$42
(¥6,055) 		$80
(¥11,571)
Entertainment1 $4
(¥594) 		$9
(¥1,357) 		$18
(¥2,593)
Alcohol2 $1-4
(¥172-516) 		$3-8
(¥393-1,179) 		$5-16
(¥751-2,252)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Mashiko, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $37 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Tourists visiting Mashiko generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $85 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $163. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing.

Accommodation Budget in Mashiko

The range of hotel prices in Mashiko can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $. From $ for budget hotels to $ for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Mashiko for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $70 (¥10,143). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $35 (¥5,072) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $35
    ¥5,072
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $70
    ¥10,143

Hotels in Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Mashiko? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Mashiko

Thanks to Mashiko's great public transportation, you can stay outside the town for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.

In a family-friendly destination like Mashiko, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children.

By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.

Mashiko is a top tourist destination, but its smaller size can make finding a hotel tricky, especially in summer. Be sure to book your room as far in advance as possible.

Many people like to wander through Mashiko, so it's a good idea to book a place in the center. Keep in mind that this could come with an increased cost.



Transportation Budget in Mashiko

Mashiko has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.

Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time here. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $12 (¥1,714) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mashiko. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mashiko is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $12
    ¥1,714

Mashiko is an easy day trip from Tokyo, with ways to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. The two main airports in Tokyo are Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

By train, the fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from Ueno to Oyama, which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to Shimodate (about 21 min), then change again to the private Moka Railway line to Mashiko. You can also take the JR Joban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Joso line to Shimodate.

For a train/bus route, you might also take the train to Utsunomiya and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station, and Mashiko is bus station 14, with buses leaving hourly.

Transportation Tips

When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.

In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.



Flights to Mashiko
How much does it cost to go to Mashiko? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Mashiko
The price of renting a car in Mashiko will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Mashiko

In Mashiko, the food is tasty, but it's usually not the main hightlight for travelers. You'll uncover some hidden treasures around the town. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Mashiko can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mashiko is $42 (¥6,055) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $42
    ¥6,055

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mashiko is around $42 (¥6055) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $80. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Mashiko are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $13
  • Lunch: $6 to $17
  • Dinner: $13 to $29
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Mashiko's dining scene only began to grow in the recent past. Today many options can be found in town with an assortment of local, organic, and vegetarian restaurants. Popular local eats include things like ramen and gyoza (a type of dumpling), which can be found at a place called PePe. Restaurant Kotori is known for its tonkatsu which consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet, while handmade soba is popular at Azuman. Katsukare, a curry dish served just about everywhere in Japan, is another option if you are looking to indulge in local cuisine. As far as dessert goes, "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city-also a very popular souvenir that tastes like sweet potato.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mashiko

Tourists are naturally attracted to Mashiko due to its family-friendly activities, romance, museums and attractions, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mashiko typically cost an average of $9.38 (¥1,357) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $9.38
    ¥1,357

Mashiko is known in Japan and around the world as a center for pottery production. Since the trade began in this town, the number of resident potters has continued to grow. Most visitors come to learn more about its history and shop around for their own pottery to take home.

Mashiko Sankohan is a museum located near the Sankokan-mae bus stop. Once the home and workshop of Shoji Hamada, a famous Japanese potter of the 20th century, the place now displays about 30 of his works and his private collection. Near the thatched roof home is also a hug climbing kiln worth a look.

Togei Messe Mashiko is another museum for the ceramic arts that displays much of Hamada's work plus other potters from around Japan. Then there is Zen no Roka, an indoor and outdoor museum of statues and art, displaying works by a Hungarian sculptor named Nandor Wagner who lived in Mashiko for 30 years.



The most popular time during which to visit Mashiko is during the Pottery Markets which occur twice-yearly, one week long each. One is held in April-May, the other in November. During the market week, many workshops set up stalls throughout the town, and all stores hold sales for specially discounted works. These markets are a great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewelry, and textiles. There are also several festivals, or matsuri, held throughout the year-one of the largest and most popular occurring in late July.

Shopping for pottery is one of the major draws to Mashiko. If you are looking for a large selection at bargain prices, Mashikoyaki Kyohan Center is a cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. If you are looking for something a little more personal, however, Harvey Young Pottery is a small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first came to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Selections include things like tableware, kitchenware, flower vases, and visitations need to be scheduled by appointment.

If you want to get your own hands dirty at the wheel, the Messe Mashiko museum mentioned earlier has a pottery studio on-site where you can try your hand at sculpting and painting pottery yourself.

Sightseeing Tips

Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.



Nightlife Budget in Mashiko

The nightlife scene in Mashiko is marked by a quiet and laid-back ambiance. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $5.43 (¥786) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mashiko per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $5.43
    ¥786
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.



Travel cost data last updated: May 30, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Mashiko

  • In peak season during summer, expect to see higher prices and an influx of visitors in the town. To save some cash and avoid the crowds, think about visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If your travel group includes young children, consider getting a private vehicle or taxi. It's often easier to skip the public transit hassle, although this option may require a bit more spending.
  • Mashiko isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
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Traveling in 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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Mashiko is a small town with an economy highly dependent on the tourism spurred from its ceramic crafts industry. The streets are lined with many different pottery workshops, kilns, retail shops, and a good selection of restaurants. Mashiko is also largely a commuter town with residents living locally, but commuting for work to the neighboring Mooka and Utsunomiya. It is very rural, located about 3 hours by train from Tokyo, and is home to about 380 kilns and 50 ceramic shops. There are even places where visitors can try their hand at making their own pottery. If you are visiting Mashiko, you are there to see the pottery and will leave with a greater understanding of its importance in Japanese culture and history.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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