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

Should you visit Nagano or Naples?

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 Naples 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.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Naples?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Naples. While Naples is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Naples is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Nagano is more touristy than Naples 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. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Nagano different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Naples Better for Skiing?

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

Naples is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Nagano and Naples.

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.

Naples offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Nagano or Naples Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Naples is not a resort destination.

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

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Naples Better for its Old Town?

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

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 Naples Better for Hiking?

Nagano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Naples?

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

Naples is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Nagano is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Nagano or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

For students, both Nagano and Naples are good places to visit.

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.

Naples is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples 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 Naples can get you around easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Naples?

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

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

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

One day in Nagano or Naples?

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.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Naples?

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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Naples?

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 Naples. Don't miss the food, 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic 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 fascinating big city of Naples. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nagano is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Naples. In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Naples. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In October, Nagano is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Naples. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Nagano during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. Nagano is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Naples. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Naples. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Naples in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Naples. Many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Naples in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nagano is cooler than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagano in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Nagano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nagano usually receives more rain than Naples. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Nagano