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

Should you visit Nagano or Picton?

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 Picton 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. 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.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Nagano and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagano. Although Nagano and Picton are both popular with visitors, Nagano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagano is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Picton is known for its beaches and small town charm. Nagano 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. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Nagano different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

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

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 Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

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

Picton is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is a great town for the beache. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Picton 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.

Picton does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Hiking?

Both Nagano and Picton are destinations which offer very good 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.

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Picton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nagano and Picton both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nagano. 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.

Many visitors go to Picton to go shopping. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Families?

Both Nagano and Picton are very good 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.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Nagano or Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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 Picton Better for Students?

Nagano is a good destination for students. However, Picton is not popular with students.

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.

Picton is not popular with students.

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

Nagano and Picton 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. .

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Nagano or Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagano or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagano than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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

One day in Nagano or Picton?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Picton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Picton?

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.

Picton 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 Picton?

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 Picton. 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 Picton?

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 scenic destination of Picton. This town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Picton?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Picton, 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 Picton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Nagano during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nagano is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Picton. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Nagano is generally around the same temperature as Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Picton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Picton. Many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. Nagano is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Picton. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Pictonin July. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

In April, Nagano usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pictonin October. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Nagano