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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Cromwell? 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 interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Nagasaki and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagasaki. Although Nagasaki and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Nagasaki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagasaki is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Nagasaki is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also home to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Nagasaki different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagasaki or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

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

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Nagasaki is not a skiing destination.


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

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Nagasaki is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagasaki. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Nagasaki is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nagasaki has a huge number of terrific 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Nagasaki or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Nagasaki is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nagasaki has something for everybody. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.


Is Nagasaki or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Cromwell is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nagasaki and Cromwell.

Nagasaki has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cromwell is a great destination for shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Nagasaki or Cromwell Better for Families?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Cromwell 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 Cromwell. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

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 Cromwell Better for Couples?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

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

Cromwell makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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 Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Nagasaki and Cromwell are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Cromwell is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Nagasaki is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

Nagasaki has some very good public transit options. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.


Is Nagasaki or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Nagasaki
Cromwell

Nagasaki and Cromwell are good 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.

Cromwell is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagasaki or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagasaki than Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nagasaki or Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagasaki 2-3 
    Cromwell 1-2

One day in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

The city of Nagasaki offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Cromwell 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.

A weekend in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

Nagasaki 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagasaki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cromwell 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cromwell, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

Nagasaki 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.

Cromwell 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.

A week in Nagasaki or Cromwell?

Nagasaki is a great place to explore. 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.

Cromwell 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 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell or Nagasaki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagasaki is $90, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $81. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nagasaki and Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $47
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $94
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki or Cromwell? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nagasaki


Hotels in Cromwell


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nagasaki Hotel Prices and Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagasaki $18
    Cromwell $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fukuoka Airport (FUK):Private Transfer to/from Nagasaki City: $474
  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Sasebo City Private Transfer: $221
  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Nagasaki City Private Transfer: $205
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $192
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
  • Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $151
  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell and Nagasaki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nagasaki $28
    Cromwell $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $50
  • Nagasaki Night Out Food Tour: $158
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagasaki $23
    Cromwell $16

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Experience Hasami Ware with professionals ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $119
  • 4 Hour Private Cherry Blossom "Sakura" Experience in Nagasaki: $218
  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
  • Hasami Ware 2-Day Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $179
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $94
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
  • Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $238
  • Nagasaki Custom Full Day Tour: $194
  • Nagasaki Custom Half Day Tour: $123
  • Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
  • Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cromwell.

  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $148
  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagasaki $11
    Cromwell $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cromwell

Also in Cromwell, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wines and Views: Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstow: $1,488


When comparing the travel costs between Nagasaki and Cromwell, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki is in Asia and Cromwell 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 Nagasaki Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.


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