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

Should you visit Nagano or Chicago?

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 Chicago 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 historic, traditional, and alpine city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Nagano and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Nagano, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Nagano is known for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nagano is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Nagano different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Chicago is not a skiing destination.

Nagano is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Chicago is not a skiing destination.

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

Chicago is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Nagano is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Nagano is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Nagano or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its live music scene. However, Nagano is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Nagano is not a live music destination.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Resorts?

Nagano is very good for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.

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

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a city with good options for the beache. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Nagano or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nagano does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Nagano does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nagano does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Nagano does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Nagano or Chicago Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Chicago are good 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.

Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nagano and Chicago are good 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 Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Nagano or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

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

Chicago is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Nagano has a few public transit options. 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. .

Is Nagano or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Chicago?

In either Nagano or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Nagano because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Nagano or Chicago?

In Nagano, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Chicago is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Chicago?

In Nagano, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer.

Chicago 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.

Five days in Nagano or Chicago?

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Nagano. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the multicultural big city of Chicago. This city 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagano and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia and Chicago is in North America, 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 Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Nagano.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Nagano or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Chicago. Many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nagano is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Chicago. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Nagano during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. The weather in Nagano can be very cold. Nagano is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Chicago. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nagano is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagano in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nagano usually receives less rain than Chicago. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Nagano