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

Should you visit Nagano or Oslo?

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 Oslo 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 alpine, scenic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green 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 food, museums, and nightlife.

Nagano and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Oslo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Nagano different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Skiing?

Nagano is notable for snow skiing. However, Oslo is not a skiing destination.

Nagano is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other 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.

Oslo is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Nagano is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nagano makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nagano has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Resorts?

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

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nagano to see the historical old town. 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Nagano is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Oslo?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Nagano is a great destination for 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Families?

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

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Oslo are nice 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.

Oslo is a good city for couples to visit. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nagano and Oslo are nice 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 Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Nagano or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo 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 Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Oslo 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 Oslo can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo a more walkable city?

Oslo 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.

Oslo is a very walkable city. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun 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 Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Oslo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nagano than Oslo. 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 Nagano than Oslo 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.

One day in Nagano or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Oslo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Oslo?

Nagano is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oslo 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 Oslo?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Nagano. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. 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 Oslo?

The scenic city of Nagano offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled big city of Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Nagano during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 25°C (77°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Oslo. 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. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Nagano is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Oslo. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Oslo. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. In the winter, Nagano is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Nagano is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nagano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nagano usually receives more rain than Oslo. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Nagano