A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagano vs. Yakushima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nagano or Yakushima?

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 Yakushima 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.

Where Should I go: Nagano or Yakushima?

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

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 Bicycle Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagano and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Yakushima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yakushima 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 Yakushima Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nagano or Yakushima?

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 Yakushima in the Summer?

Both Yakushima and Nagano during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Yakushima in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Yakushima 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 July than Yakushima. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Yakushima in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Nagano is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Yakushima averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Yakushima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Yakushima. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Yakushima. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Yakushima in the Spring?

Both Yakushima and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nagano is much colder than Yakushima in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In April, Nagano usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Nagano