A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagasaki vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Nagasaki or Koyasan?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Koyasan? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Nagasaki and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Koyasan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagasaki. Although Nagasaki and Koyasan are both popular with visitors, Nagasaki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagasaki is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also home to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Nagasaki different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Koyasan and Nagasaki.

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

Many visitors head to Koyasan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Nagasaki is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nagasaki. 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).

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Nagasaki or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Nagasaki know how to have a good time. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Nagasaki or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagasaki or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

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

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Koyasan?

Nagasaki is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nagasaki offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nagasaki or Koyasan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagasaki or Koyasan.

Nagasaki is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koyasan. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Nagasaki or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Nagasaki is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Nagasaki or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Koyasan?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nagasaki or Koyasan?

In Nagasaki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Koyasan?

In Nagasaki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagasaki has to offer.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Nagasaki or Koyasan?

Nagasaki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koyasan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagasaki and Koyasan, 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Nagasaki or Koyasan?

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 Nagasaki or Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan and Nagasaki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 27°C (81°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Nagasaki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Koyasan. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nagasaki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koyasan. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Koyasan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nagasaki is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagasaki in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki usually gets more rain in January than Koyasan. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 16°C (60°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Nagasaki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during spring. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. In April, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Nagasaki