Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Mashiko?
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 Zhangjiajie and Mashiko. 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.
Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Mashiko?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
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.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, 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 Zhangjiajie and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Mashiko $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Mashiko $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Zhangjiajie 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $36Mashiko $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Mashiko $9.17
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $215
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Mashiko $5.31
When comparing the travel costs between Zhangjiajie and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Mashiko?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie or Mashiko?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Mashiko in the Summer?
Both Mashiko and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mashiko. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Mashiko in the Autumn?
Both Mashiko and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Mashiko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Mashiko. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mashiko. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Mashiko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Mashiko. Additionally, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.
In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Mashiko. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.