A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagasaki vs. Arrowtown for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nagasaki or Arrowtown? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a welcoming, interesting, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Nagasaki and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arrowtown than Nagasaki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arrowtown is better known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Nagasaki is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Nagasaki is well known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Arrowtown is well known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. Also, Arrowtown is famous for the Chinese Settlement.

How is Nagasaki different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nagasaki is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Nagasaki is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Nagasaki is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Nagasaki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Nagasaki or Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Nagasaki and Arrowtown both to be great destinations.

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arrowtown makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nagasaki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

People visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Arrowtown. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Arrowtown. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Arrowtown makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagasaki is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Nagasaki is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

You'll find some public transit in Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Nagasaki or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Nagasaki and Arrowtown are notable when it comes to walkability.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

Arrowtown is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagasaki Worth Visiting? and Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Nagasaki 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nagasaki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

A weekend in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the interesting destination of Nagasaki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Nagasaki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arrowtown is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

A week in Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Nagasaki is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagasaki and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagasaki is in Asia and Arrowtown 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 Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown than you might in Nagasaki.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagasaki Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Arrowtown?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki and Arrowtown, 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.