A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Nikko for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Nikko?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Nikko? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a peaceful, natural, and rural town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Nikko travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Mount Bromo and Nikko are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mount Bromo is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Mount Bromo different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nikko is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Neither Mount Bromo or Nikko offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mount Bromo The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

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 Mount Bromo or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Mount Bromo does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Nikko offers plenty to see. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have a historic old town.

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Nikko both have excellent trails.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

Nikko is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nikko. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo and Nikko both are comparable with their terrific scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko Better for Families?

Nikko is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its romantic activities.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Nikko is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Mount Bromo or Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko is a great town for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its high level of walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. 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.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Mount Bromo or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nikko than Mount Bromo. 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 Nikko than Mount Bromo 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 Nikko.

One day in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

In Mount Bromo, many people enjoy the that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This volcano 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 with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

Mount Bromo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Nikko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Nikko?

You'll find around the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, 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 Mount Bromo and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

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