Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Mashiko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing 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.
Where Should I go: Nanjing or Mashiko?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, 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 Nanjing and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Mashiko $34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Mashiko $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $285
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
- Nanjing to Wuxi Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $88
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Nanjing 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 dayNanjing $49Mashiko $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Mashiko $9.17
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Mashiko $5.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Mashiko, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Mashiko?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Mashiko?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Nanjing or Mashiko in the Summer?
Both Mashiko and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nanjing is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Mashiko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Mashiko. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.
In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Mashiko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Mashiko. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. Nanjing can be very cold during winter. Nanjing is cooler than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Mashiko in the Spring?
Both Mashiko and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
In the spring, Nanjing is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.