A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagasaki vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nagasaki or Kyoto?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kyoto? 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nagasaki and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Nagasaki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kyoto is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nagasaki is known for its nightlife. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji.

How is Nagasaki different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kyoto 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 Kyoto?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Nagasaki and Kyoto both to be excellent 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, Kyoto makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Nagasaki or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Nagasaki or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kyoto is revered around the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto Better for Families?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nagasaki is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Nagasaki and Kyoto.

The public transit in Nagasaki can get you to most places easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Visitors to Kyoto can move around easily with public transportation. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Nagasaki or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kyoto. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Kyoto?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagasaki and Kyoto. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kyoto than Nagasaki. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Nagasaki or Kyoto?

In Nagasaki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this interesting destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Nagasaki or Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Kyoto 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Nagasaki or Kyoto?

Nagasaki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nagasaki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Nagasaki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 city 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagasaki and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki and Kyoto, 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.

When is the best time to visit Nagasaki or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Nagasaki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Kyoto. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Kyoto. The winter months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In the winter, Nagasaki is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagasaki in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).

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

Nagasaki usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 16°C (60°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. In April, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Nagasaki