A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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.

Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano?

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Cheju (Jeju)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano? 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 Cheju (Jeju)


Hotels in Nagano


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Nagano $9.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano and Cheju (Jeju) 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
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
    Nagano $22
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Nagano $8.16

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Nagano -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Nagano. 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 October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Nagano. 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. Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)