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

Should you visit Lahore 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 Lahore 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.

Where Should I go: Lahore or Nikko?

Lahore

As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.

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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Lahore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, 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 Lahore and Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lahore $37
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lahore $74
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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 Lahore


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: Lahore Hotel Prices and Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lahore $9.98
    Nikko -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

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

  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
  • Airport Transfer : $60
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko and Lahore 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
    Lahore $14
    Nikko $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore

For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
  • Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
  • Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lahore $5.08
    Nikko $21

Tours and Activities in Lahore

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

  • 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore : $300
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
  • Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib Yatra Guided Tour: $175
  • Kartarpur Tour: $150
  • Kartarpur-Guru-Nanak sab One Day Tour : $250
  • Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Raj Temple One Day Guided Tour: $210
  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour: $145
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour: $150

Tours and Activities in Nikko

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

  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lahore $4.89
    Nikko $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lahore or Nikko?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Nikko?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lahore or Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Lahore this time of the year. Lahore is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Lahore. In July, Lahore usually receives more rain than Nikko. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lahore 33°C (91°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko and Lahore during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, Lahore is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lahore in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the autumn, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lahore usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lahore 27°C (81°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Nikko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Nikko. 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, Lahore is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 14°C (58°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during winter. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lahore usually receives less rain than Nikko. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lahore 14°C (58°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Nikko. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Lahore is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 28°C (83°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the spring, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Lahore usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lahore 28°C (83°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Lahore

Lahore Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)


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