A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagasaki vs. Nagano for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nagasaki or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Nagano? 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Nagasaki and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Nagano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagano. Although Nagasaki and Nagano are both popular with visitors, Nagano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Nagano is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also home to Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Nagasaki different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagasaki
Nagano

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

Nagano draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Nagasaki is not a skiing destination.


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

Nagasaki
Nagano

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Nagano 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 Nagano specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Nagasaki
Nagano

Foodies will find both Nagasaki and Nagano 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, Nagano makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki
Nagano

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagasaki and Nagano.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Nagano is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.


Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagasaki
Nagano

Nagano is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagasaki
Nagano

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

Nagano has an old town worth visiting. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagasaki
Nagano

Nagano 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 Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Nagano?

Nagasaki
Nagano

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

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.

Nagano is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagasaki
Nagano

Nagano 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 Nagano. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano Better for Couples?

Nagasaki
Nagano

With fun activities for couples, both Nagasaki and Nagano make for a good place to visit.

Nagasaki is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Nagano is a nice destination for couples. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.


Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki
Nagano

Nagasaki and Nagano 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.

Nagano is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagasaki or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagasaki
Nagano

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

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

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

Nagasaki
Nagano

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

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

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .


Is Nagasaki or Nagano a more walkable city?

Nagasaki
Nagano

Nagasaki and Nagano 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.

Nagano is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagasaki and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Nagasaki. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagasaki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

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

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


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

One day in Nagasaki or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nagasaki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Nagano 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 Nagano?

Nagasaki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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


Five days in Nagasaki or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano 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 Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Nagasaki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nagano 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 city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Nagasaki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagasaki is $97, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $97. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $51
    Nagano $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $102
    Nagano $130
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagasaki $19
    Nagano $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Sasebo City Private Transfer: $209
  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Nagasaki City Private Transfer: $209
  • Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $196
  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $196
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $162
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $162
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $146
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka City Hotels: $146
  • Nagasaki Airport(NGS) to Nagasaki city - Arrival Private Transfer: $98
  • Nagasaki to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Departure Private Transfer: $98
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Arrival Private Transfer: $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $690

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $30
    Nagano $24

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: $53
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $169

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagasaki $24
    Nagano $8.79

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' ~: $127
  • 4 Hour Private Cherry Blossom "Sakura" Experience in Nagasaki: $228
  • Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
  • Hasami Ware 2-Day Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $190
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $99
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $66
  • Japan Huis Ten Bosch Ticket: $63
  • Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $249
  • Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $117
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with 1-day Tram Ticket: $89

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • 1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen: $172
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $781
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $93
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $188
  • Half Day Private Tour! From Nagano to [Zenkoji Temple]: $120
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $111
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $59
  • Nagano's Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour: $1,562
  • 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring: $141
  • Matsushiro Samurai Town Walking Tour: $117
  • Tateyama-Kurobe Guided Walking Tour: $241
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,416

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagasaki $11
    Nagano -


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


Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Nagano?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Nagano. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Nagano. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Nagano. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nagasaki is a little warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Nagasaki often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagasaki usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. In the winter, Nagasaki is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagasaki in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. Nagasaki usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Nagasaki usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Nagasaki during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Nagasaki is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 16°C (60°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Nagasaki

Nagasaki Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)


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