A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a iconic, world renowned, and majestic national park. You'll find world class beauty in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Shanghai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both popular with visitors, Shanghai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Shanghai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Shanghai different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Many visitors head to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Shanghai has a few options to choose from. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park More Beautiful?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are superb family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for couples. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are superb destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its public transit.

Shanghai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a great port city for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. This port city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy port city of Shanghai. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is cooler than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Shanghai