A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Nagano for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Bucharest or Nagano?

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 Bucharest and Nagano. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a less touristy, undiscovered, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano

Nagano is a historic, traditional, and alpine city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Bucharest and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Nagano?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is well known for winter skiing. However, Bucharest is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Bucharest is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Nagano?

Nagano is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nagano is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its resorts. However, Bucharest is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Bucharest and Nagano.

Many people head to Bucharest to see the old town. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Nagano has an old town worth visiting. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Nagano?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nagano and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Nagano has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Couples?

Nagano is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Nagano are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Nagano is popular with students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Nagano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Bucharest or Nagano a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Nagano both are notable when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bucharest and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Bucharest. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano than Bucharest 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 Nagano.

One day in Bucharest or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Nagano?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and food around the alpine destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the alpine city of Nagano. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the less touristy destination of Bucharest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nagano is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Nagano?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Nagano, 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 Bucharest or Nagano?

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 Bucharest or Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Nagano. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In the autumn, Bucharest is cooler than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Nagano. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Nagano. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Nagano. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Bucharest