A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagano vs. Atami for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nagano or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Atami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nagano

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

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nagano and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its skiing, museums & sights, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its beaches. Nagano is more touristy than Atami and is 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. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Nagano different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Nagano is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nagano has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for the beache. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a city with good options for its old town. However, Atami 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.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nagano. 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Atami?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nagano and Atami both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nagano. 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Families?

Nagano is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nagano is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Atami are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Atami is a good city for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nagano and Atami are notable places to visit.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Nagano or Atami Better for Students?

Nagano is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with students.

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

Atami is not popular with students.

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

Nagano and Atami both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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. .

Atami has a few public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Nagano or Atami a more walkable city?

Nagano and Atami are notable when it comes to walkability.

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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagano or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagano than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano than Atami 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 Nagano.

One day in Nagano or Atami?

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atami. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. 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.

Atami 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 Nagano or Atami?

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nagano. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. 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 Nagano or Atami?

You'll find museums and skiing around the alpine destination of Nagano. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the overlooked destination of Atami. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Atami, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Atami?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Atami, 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 Nagano or Atami?

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 Nagano or Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Atami. The summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Nagano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atami during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Atami. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Atami. 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. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nagano is cooler than Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Atami. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Atami. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Atami. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Atami during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Atami. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

Nagano is cooler than Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Atami. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atami and Nagano