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

Should you visit Nagano or Hobart?

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 Hobart 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 traditional, alpine, and scenic 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.

Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating, quaint, and historical city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nagano and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Nagano or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hobart is more popular for its shopping. Nagano is well 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. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails.

How is Nagano different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Skiing?

Nagano
Hobart

Nagano is great for skiing. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not a skiing destination.


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

Nagano
Hobart

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

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 Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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

Nagano
Hobart

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Nagano and Hobart.

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.

Dining out in Hobart is an experience not to be missed. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Nagano
Hobart

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

Many people head to Nagano for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.


Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Resorts?

Nagano
Hobart

Nagano is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Hobart Better for its Old Town?

Nagano
Hobart

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

Hobart does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Nagano
Hobart

Both Nagano and Hobart are destinations which offer great hiking.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. 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.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Hobart?

Nagano
Hobart

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

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

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 Hobart Better for Families?

Nagano
Hobart

Both Nagano and Hobart are great 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.

Hobart is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Couples?

Nagano
Hobart

Hobart is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Hobart is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. 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.


Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagano
Hobart

For backpackers, both Nagano and Hobart 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 Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Nagano or Hobart Better for Students?

Nagano
Hobart

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

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

Hobart is not popular with students.

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

Nagano
Hobart

Nagano and Hobart 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. .

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.


Is Nagano or Hobart a more walkable city?

Nagano
Hobart

Hobart 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.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring 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 Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagano and Hobart. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nagano than Hobart. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hobart.

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

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


  • How many days in Nagano or Hobart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagano 1-3 
    Hobart 2-3

One day in Nagano or Hobart?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Hobart?

Nagano 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.

Hobart 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 Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the alpine destination of Nagano. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Hobart. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Hobart or Nagano?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagano is $90, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $134. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nagano and Hobart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagano $61
    Hobart $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagano $122
    Hobart $152
Compare Hotels in Nagano and Hobart

Looking for a hotel in Nagano or Hobart? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nagano


Hotels in Hobart


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nagano Hotel Prices and Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagano $9.79
    Hobart $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

Also for Hobart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Port Arthur Return Transfer, mimimum 4 passengers : $218
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Arthur Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Arthur Cruise Port : $50
  • Hobart to Hobart Int Airport (HBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $22
  • Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagano or Hobart?

Prices for flights to both Hobart and Nagano change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nagano $22
    Hobart $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagano $8.16
    Hobart $23

Tours and Activities in Nagano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.

  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221

Tours and Activities in Hobart

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hobart.

  • Grand Hobart with Richmond Village Tour: $102
  • 3 day Tasmanian highlights tour – Hobart, Port Arthur and Bruny Island: $208
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $33
  • Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania: $25
  • Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour from Hobart: $77
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hobart: $76
  • Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch : $172
  • Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart: $175
  • Cruise Ship Wine Shore Excursion: $163
  • Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond: $118
  • Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart: $18
  • Easy Bike Tour - Mt Wellington Summit Descent & Rainforest Ride: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagano -
    Hobart $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour with Tasmanian Cheese Platter: $135
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart and SE Tasmania: $144
  • 7- 8 Hour StelaVino Guided Wine Tours From Hobart, Tasmania: $182
  • From Drink Tasmania Whisky Distillery Tour: $195
  • Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $197
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings - Hobart/SE Tasmania: $229
  • Tasmanian Tipples: Hobart Distillery Discovery Tours: $229
  • 6 Hour Distillery Guided Tours in Tasmania with Lunch and Tasting: $231
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings in Hobart and SE Tasmania: $231


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagano and Hobart, we can see that Hobart 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 Hobart is in Pacific, 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart 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 Hobart Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nagano or Hobart?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Hobart is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nagano has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nagano or Hobart in the Summer?

Both Hobart and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

Nagano is a little warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Hobart. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Hobartin January. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nagano 25°C (77°F) 
    Hobart 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nagano is a little warmer than Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F)in April.

In the autumn, Nagano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hobartin April. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Hobartin April. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nagano 16°C (60°F) 
    Hobart 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Hobart in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Hobart. Many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hobart 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 Hobartin July. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Hobart during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Hobartin July. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nagano 2°C (36°F) 
    Hobart 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Hobart. Many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nagano is cooler than Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. In the spring, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Hobartin October. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun.

Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Hobartin October. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nagano 11°C (52°F) 
    Hobart 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Hobart and Nagano

Nagano Hobart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in) 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)