A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Nikko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Nikko?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem or Nikko?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, 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 Jerusalem and Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Nikko -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.13
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $209
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130

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 Jerusalem or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $31
    Nikko $31
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $2.65
  • Watermelon
    $3.98
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.65
  • Bagels
    $7.96
  • Lunch for 2
    $14
  • Snacks
    $5.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Nikko $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $33

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
  • (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
  • 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $502
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $84
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Nikko $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Nikko, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Nikko 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 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Nikko?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Nikko?

Nikko has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Nikko. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. 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.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 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, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Nikko. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Jerusalem during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In January, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Jerusalem often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Jerusalem is a little warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Nikko. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)