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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Okinawa?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Okinawa? 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 authentic, welcoming, and interesting city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Nagasaki and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Okinawa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Okinawa than Nagasaki. While Nagasaki is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Okinawa is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nagasaki attracts visitors for its big city activities. Nagasaki is famous for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Okinawa is famous for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands.

How is Nagasaki different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Okinawa 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 Okinawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

Foodies will find both Nagasaki and Okinawa both to be superb 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, Okinawa makes for a great culinary experience. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagasaki and Okinawa.

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.

Okinawa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

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

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Okinawa?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Nagasaki and Okinawa.

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.

Okinawa is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

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

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki and Okinawa are both nice 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.

Okinawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Nagasaki is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Nagasaki or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Nagasaki is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable city. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Okinawa?

Both Nagasaki and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Nagasaki. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagasaki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

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

One day in Nagasaki or Okinawa?

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.

The beautiful archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Nagasaki or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Nagasaki or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. This archipelago 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 Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Okinawa?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Okinawa. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In the summer, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in July than Okinawa. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the autumn, Nagasaki is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagasaki in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during autumn. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. In October, Nagasaki usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Nagasaki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nagasaki is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 7°C (44°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the winter, Nagasaki often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nagasaki usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Okinawa. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Nagasaki is cooler than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagasaki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Nagasaki