A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagano vs. Taupo for Skiing, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nagano or Taupo?

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 Taupo 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Nagano and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Taupo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Taupo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing and small town charm. 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. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Nagano different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is terrific for skiing. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for snow skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Taupo. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

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.

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

Nagano is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Nagano offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

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

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 Taupo is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Nagano or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo 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 Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Nagano or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a popular place for its resorts. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Taupo Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a popular place for its old town. However, Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nagano to see the 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.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Both Nagano and Taupo are destinations which offer excellent 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Taupo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nagano and Taupo both offer plenty of notable 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 Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Nagano or Taupo Better for Families?

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

Taupo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will 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 Taupo Better for Students?

Nagano is a popular place for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Nagano is popular with students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Nagano and Taupo both offer notable 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. .

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Nagano or Taupo a more walkable city?

Nagano and Taupo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable city. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagano Worth Visiting? and Is Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nagano or Taupo?

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic 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 shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

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.

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

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 Taupo. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 Taupo?

You'll find museums and skiing around the scenic 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 food and shopping when visiting the otherworldly destination of Taupo. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Taupo?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Taupo, 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.