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

Should you visit Nagano or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin 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, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Nagano travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a hilly, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Dunedin travel costs.

Nagano and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagano than Dunedin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nagano is more popular for its skiing, food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dunedin is known for its beaches and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also home to Zenko-ji Temple. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Nagano different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Skiing?

Nagano is well known for winter skiing. However, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is not a skiing destination.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nagano and Dunedin.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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

Nagano is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Nagano and Dunedin.

The nightlife in Nagano has something for everybody. 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.

Dunedin offers plenty to do in the evening. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a popular place for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

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

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dunedin. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Nagano is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Dunedin?

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

Dunedin is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

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 Dunedin More Beautiful?

Nagano is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Families?

Both Nagano and Dunedin are excellent to visit with kids.

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.

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a good city for couples to visit. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Nagano or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Nagano or Dunedin Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

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 Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagano and Dunedin both offer good 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. .

Dunedin has a few public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Nagano or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore 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 Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagano and Dunedin. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nagano than Dunedin. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nagano than Dunedin. 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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin.

One day in Nagano or Dunedin?

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.

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

A weekend in Nagano or Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dunedin. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin 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. Even though Nagano is in Asia and Dunedin is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Dunedin?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Dunedin, 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.