A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mashiko vs. Newcastle for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mashiko or Newcastle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Newcastle, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a quaint, charming, and traditional town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Mashiko travel costs.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a high energy, trendy, and coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Newcastle travel costs.

Mashiko and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Mashiko or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle. Although Mashiko and Newcastle are popular destinations, Newcastle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also well known for the Bathers Way.

How is Mashiko different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mashiko
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city 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 Newcastle can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Mashiko or Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Mashiko or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Newcastle has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Mashiko or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newcastle. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.


Is Mashiko or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Mashiko and Newcastle are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Mashiko has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Newcastle?

Mashiko
Newcastle

If you're looking to go shopping, Mashiko and Newcastle both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Newcastle is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Mashiko or Newcastle Better for Families?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Mashiko is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Mashiko or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Mashiko is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Mashiko or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Newcastle is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Mashiko
Newcastle

Mashiko and Newcastle both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Mashiko offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Newcastle has a few public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.


Is Mashiko or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Mashiko
Newcastle

Mashiko is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Mashiko Worth Visiting? and Is Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Mashiko or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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

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


  • How many days in Mashiko or Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mashiko 1-2 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Mashiko or Newcastle?

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Newcastle, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mashiko or Newcastle?

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Newcastle, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newcastle has to offer.


Five days in Mashiko or Newcastle?

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Newcastle?

Mashiko is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Mashiko?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mashiko is $83, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $117. 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 Mashiko and Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mashiko $34
    Newcastle $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mashiko $68
    Newcastle $90
Compare Hotels in Mashiko and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Mashiko or Newcastle? 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 Mashiko


Hotels in Newcastle


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mashiko $12
    Newcastle $8.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $82
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $80
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Mashiko or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle and Mashiko 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
    Mashiko $41
    Newcastle $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Newcastle.

  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $69
  • Earp Distilling Co: Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner: $73
  • Cooking Classes at the Yellow Door Kitchen: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mashiko $9.17
    Newcastle $15

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $93
  • Shared Newcastle Harbor Cruise: $43
  • 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $270
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $40
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $53
  • Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $150
  • Christmas Lunch Cruise on Newcastle Harbour: $57
  • Coastal 2.5-hour Adventure Boat Tour from Newcastle: $83
  • From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour: $165
  • From Sydney: Tandem Skydive Experience over Newcastle Beach: $264
  • From Sydney: Tandem Skydive Experience over Newcastle Beach: $266
  • Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mashiko $5.31
    Newcastle $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley: $6.66
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting : $10
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $11
  • Newcastle Bar Crawl Experience: $15
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Wonnarua Sparkling Wine Tasting: $30
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Premium Wine Tasting: $30
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $35
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $35
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mashiko and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mashiko is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Newcastle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle 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 Mashiko Expensive? and Is Newcastle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Newcastle, 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 Mashiko or Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mashiko has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Mashiko or Newcastle in the Summer?

Both Newcastle and Mashiko during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mashiko is around the same temperature as Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Newcastlein January. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Newcastle. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mashiko is cooler than Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mashiko in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Newcastle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Newcastle. The winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Mashiko is generally much colder than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 3°C (38°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In the winter, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein July. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Mashiko usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Mashiko or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Mashiko is much colder than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In April, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Mashiko

Mashiko Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)


Related Articles for Mashiko
Related Articles for Newcastle