A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Mashiko for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Mashiko? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Mashiko travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mashiko than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mashiko is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Mount Bromo is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Mashiko is well known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Also, Mashiko is famous for Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art.

How is Mount Bromo different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mashiko. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is adequate for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

Mashiko doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

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

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

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 Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is a great town for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Mashiko More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mount Bromo is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Mashiko is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!


Is Mount Bromo or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Mashiko make for a very good place to visit.

Mount Bromo is a great volcano if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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 Mount Bromo or Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.


Is Mount Bromo or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo
Mashiko

Mashiko is a great town for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its high level of walkability.

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mount Bromo or Mashiko to fill your time. In our opinion, Mashiko has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Mashiko than Mount Bromo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mashiko than Mount Bromo 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 Mashiko.


  • How many days in Mount Bromo or Mashiko? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mount Bromo 1-2 
    Mashiko 1-2

One day in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This volcano offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mount Bromo has to offer.

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

Because Mashiko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Bromo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo is $25, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Mount Bromo and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Bromo $10
    Mashiko $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Bromo $20
    Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Mount Bromo and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Mount Bromo 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.

Hotels in Mount Bromo


Hotels in Mashiko


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.03
    Mashiko $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Bromo or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Mount Bromo 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
    Mount Bromo $8.84
    Mashiko $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.88
    Mashiko $9.17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Bromo $4.43
    Mashiko $5.31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Mashiko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mashiko than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Bromo Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.


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