A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagano vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nagano or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Kyoto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Kyoto is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. 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. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Nagano different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Kyoto Better for Skiing?

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

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Kyoto is not a skiing destination.

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto are world-renowned. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

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

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 Kyoto is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Nagano or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Nagano know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Nagano or Kyoto Better for Resorts?

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

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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.

Is Nagano or Kyoto Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Kyoto?

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

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Nagano and Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Nagano or Kyoto Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Kyoto is a great city 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 public transit in Kyoto can get you around easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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 Kyoto a more walkable city?

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

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Kyoto?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

One day in Nagano or Kyoto?

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this alpine 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 Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Kyoto?

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 Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Kyoto?

You'll find museums and skiing around the traditional 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 historic destination of Kyoto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Bicycle Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Kyoto. The summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kyoto. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Nagano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Nagano during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Kyoto. Many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Nagano is cooler than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nagano usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Nagano