Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Nikko $92
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $26Nikko $31
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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: $49
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Nikko $21
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Custom-made Car Tour （Private Tour）: $187
- Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Nikko $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Nikko, we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (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) |
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.