A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Nikko for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hong Kong or Nikko?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a compact, dense, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nikko

Nikko is a peaceful, natural, and rural town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hong Kong and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong and Nikko are popular destinations, Hong Kong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hong Kong is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Hong Kong is famous for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also well known for Victoria Peak. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

How is Hong Kong different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Nikko?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Nikko are world-renowned. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hong Kong. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

Is the Food Better in Hong Kong or Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Hong Kong have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Hong Kong is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Hong Kong for the nightlife scene. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is great for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hong Kong attract visitors from all over. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Hong Kong does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Nikko offers plenty to see. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Hong Kong does not have a historic old town.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong and Nikko are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hong Kong. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Nikko?

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hong Kong. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Families?

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an extremely popular city to visit for families. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

Nikko is a very kid-friendly city. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Couples?

Hong Kong and Nikko are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

Nikko is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Hong Kong has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

The public transit in Nikko can get you around easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Is Hong Kong or Nikko a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

Nikko is a very walkable city. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Hong Kong Worth Visiting? and Is Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Hong Kong or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hong Kong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hong Kong, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

One day in Hong Kong or Nikko?

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or Nikko?

Hong Kong is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hong Kong or Nikko?

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Nikko?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.