A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Nagano for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a educational, reflective, and somber town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kanchanaburi and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nagano than Kanchanaburi. Nagano is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Nagano is well known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Nagano. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kanchanaburi and Nagano.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kanchanaburi. The city is most recognized for the Bridge on the River Kwai (Death Railway Bridge), which you can walk across or take a train across. The city also has the Thailand Burma Railway Center and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the Memorial Museum, Chungkai Cemetery, and the JEATH War Museum.

Nagano offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Is the Food Better in Kanchanaburi or Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kanchanaburi area. While food isn't the first thing that comes to mind here, you'll find markets with great street food as well as interesting riverside and floating restaurants. A local specialty that you should try is the gaeng paa pla khang (jungle curry). There are also western style restaurants if you need a break from the curry. Many visitors head to Mae Nam Khwae Road for most of their meals.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nagano has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Kanchanaburi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The backpacker scene keeps the nightlife active. You'll find locals and tourists mingling along Maenam Kwai Road. You'll also find several clubs along Song Kwae Road.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a good destination for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Kanchanaburi and Nagano.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanchanaburi. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kanchanaburi. Although most people think of "The Bridge over the River Kwai" when they think of Kanchanaburi, for families, there are actually a number of outdoor adventures in the area that kids will enjoy. Biking, hiking, and kayaking are all popular. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming to children.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Nagano both notable destinations for a couple.

Kanchanaburi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Nagano is a good town for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Nagano are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kanchanaburi. There are plenty of hostels to choose from in the area, and like many places in Thailand, it is an affordable place to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Nagano.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

You'll find some public transit in Nagano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagano a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Nagano are notable when it comes to walkability.

Kanchanaburi is a somewhat walkable place. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanchanaburi and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Kanchanaburi. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano than Kanchanaburi if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nagano.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nagano, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the traditional destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nagano is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kanchanaburi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nagano. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Nagano. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, 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. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nagano. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Kanchanaburi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Kanchanaburi