A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minsk vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Minsk or Nagano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Nagano, 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: Minsk or Nagano?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 Minsk and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Minsk is in Europe and Nagano 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 Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.

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

Which is Bigger, Minsk or Nagano?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk or Nagano?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minsk or Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Nagano. Additionally, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Minsk is cooler than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minsk this time of the year. In the summer, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Minsk usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minsk or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minsk is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minsk in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Minsk usually receives less rain than Nagano. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minsk or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Minsk during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Minsk can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Minsk is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around -5°C (22°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Minsk usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minsk or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Nagano. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Minsk is cooler than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minsk usually receives less rain than Nagano. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Minsk