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

Should you visit Lombok 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 Lombok 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.

Lombok

Lombok is a cultural, stunning, and peaceful island. Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Lombok travel costs.

Nagano

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

Lombok and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Nagano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Lombok, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lombok is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lombok is well known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. 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 Lombok different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is great for skiing. However, Lombok 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.

Lombok is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is great for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

Foodies will find both Lombok and Nagano both to be very good destinations.

Lombok has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Dining out in Nagano is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Nagano for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Lombok is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

In Lombok, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lombok is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Beaches?

Lombok is terrific for the beach. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Lombok is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a good destination for its old town. However, Lombok 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.

Lombok does not have a historic old town.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lombok and Nagano, and they are very good.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Nagano?

Lombok is a great island for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Lombok is well-known for its shopping. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

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 Lombok or Nagano More Beautiful?

Lombok is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

With stunning beauty, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Families?

Both Lombok and Nagano are very good family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lombok is very family-friendly. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Nagano is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Couples?

Lombok is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Lombok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Nagano is a good island 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 Lombok or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lombok is extremely popular for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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

Is Lombok or Nagano Better for Students?

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

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

Lombok is not popular with students.

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

Nagano is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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. .

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Lombok or Nagano a more walkable city?

Nagano is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lombok and Nagano. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lombok than in Nagano. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

One day in Lombok or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Lombok. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lombok or Nagano?

Lombok is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nagano 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.

Five days in Lombok or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Lombok or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Lombok. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One week is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the traditional destination of Nagano. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, 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 Lombok and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Lombok.

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Lombok or Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Nagano. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Lombok is May to September.

Should I visit Lombok or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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, Lombok is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Furthermore, 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, Lombok is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. Lombok usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lombok usually receives less rain than Nagano. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lombok or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Nagano. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lombok is much warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lombok usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nagano. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Lombok