A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Nikko for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

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 Kuala Lumpur and Nikko. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Kuala Lumpur and Nikko are both popular with visitors, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Nikko.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Kuala Lumpur for the nightlife scene. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Nikko is revered around the world. 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Nikko are very good family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Nikko are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Nikko is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nikko Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nikko a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Nikko are very good when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist 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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Kuala Lumpur or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Nikko 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. 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 town.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Nikko?

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

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nikko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Nikko. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Nikko. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Nikko. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Nikko. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Nikko. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Kuala Lumpur during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Nikko. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Kuala Lumpur