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

Should you visit Nagano or Portland?

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 Portland 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 scenic, historic, and traditional 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Nagano and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Portland. While Portland is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Portland attracts visitors for its music and small town charm. 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. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Nagano different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Portland is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Portland is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Nagano is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nagano. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nagano has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Nagano is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Nagano is not a live music destination.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

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

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Nagano is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Hiking?

Both Nagano and Portland 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.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Portland?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nagano and Portland both offer plenty of nice 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 Portland to go shopping. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Families?

Nagano is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nagano is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Portland 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.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Nagano or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

For students, both Nagano and Portland are nice 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.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Nagano and Portland both offer nice 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. .

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Nagano or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Nagano than Portland. 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 Nagano than Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Nagano or Portland?

The beautiful city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Nagano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 Portland?

Nagano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the nature-filled destination of Portland. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Portland, 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 Portland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nagano or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Portland. The summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In July, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Portland. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Portland. 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 Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nagano is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Portland. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Portland. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nagano is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Portland. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Nagano