A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagasaki vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park? 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Nagasaki and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagasaki. Although Nagasaki and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Nagasaki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagasaki is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Nagasaki is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also well known for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Nagasaki different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Nagasaki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nagasaki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Nagasaki is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Nagasaki is an experience not to be missed. 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).

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Nagasaki is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nagasaki offers plenty to do in the evening. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

People visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Nagasaki is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Nagasaki to go 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park.

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 Shiretoko National Park. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

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

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Nagasaki is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nagasaki. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Nagasaki
Shiretoko National Park

Nagasaki and Shiretoko National Park are nice 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.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.


For even more information, also check out Is Nagasaki Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagasaki, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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


  • How many days in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagasaki 2-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Nagasaki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Nagasaki is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Nagasaki is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $47
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $94
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagasaki $18
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer - Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki hotels: $67
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Nagasaki to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Nagasaki Airport(NGS) to Nagasaki city - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $142
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $142
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka City Hotels: $142
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $142
  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25

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: $51
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $160
  • Nagasaki Night Out Food Tour: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagasaki $23
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

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

  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
  • Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Stunning Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Shianbashi Tour: $78
  • Taste Local Life: Nagasaki's Historical Street Walking Tour: $79
  • Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with 1-day Tram Ticket: $86
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $93
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagasaki $11
    Shiretoko National Park $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagasaki and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Nagasaki is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki than you might in Shiretoko National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Shiretoko National Park. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagasaki is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Nagasaki often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nagasaki is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagasaki in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. In October, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Nagasaki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In January, Nagasaki is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 7°C (44°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Nagasaki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki usually gets more rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Shiretoko National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Nagasaki is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Nagasaki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during spring. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Nagasaki

Nagasaki Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


Related Articles for Nagasaki
Related Articles for Shiretoko National Park