A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Nikko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Nikko?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Nikko, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Busan (Pusan) or Nikko?

Busan (Pusan)

An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Busan (Pusan)?

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 Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Busan (Pusan) and Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Nikko $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Nikko? 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 Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Nikko


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices and Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nikko -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko and Busan (Pusan) 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
    Busan (Pusan) $44
    Nikko $55
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • Carp Bread
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
  • Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nikko $22

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
  • 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
  • A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
  • Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
  • Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
  • Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $65
  • Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $72
  • Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $89
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $96
  • Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko : $103
  • Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
  • Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
  • Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Nikko $15


When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Nikko?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Nikko, 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 Busan (Pusan) or Nikko?

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 Busan (Pusan) or Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Nikko. Additionally, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Nikko. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Nikko. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Nikko. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Nikko. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)