A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagoya vs. Atami for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nagoya or Atami?

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

Should I visit Nagoya or Atami? 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-rated, often overlooked, and under-the-radar city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nagoya and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Atami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagoya. Although Nagoya and Atami are both popular with visitors, Nagoya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagoya is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Atami is known for its beaches. Nagoya is popular for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also home to the Nagoya Castle. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Nagoya different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagoya or Atami?

Nagoya is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagoya. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Nagoya or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Nagoya have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nagoya has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Atami is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Atami?

Nagoya is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Nagoya is well-known for its shopping. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Families?

Nagoya is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nagoya and Atami make for a good place to visit.

Nagoya is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Atami is a nice destination for couples. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya and Atami are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagoya. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Atami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Students?

Nagoya is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Atami is not popular with students.

Is Nagoya or Atami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagoya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Nagoya can get you around easily. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Nagoya or Atami a more walkable city?

Nagoya is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Nagoya is a very walkable city. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

Atami is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagoya or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagoya than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagoya, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagoya than Atami 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 Nagoya.

One day in Nagoya or Atami?

Each neighborhood in Nagoya has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atami. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagoya or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagoya. 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.

Atami 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.

Five days in Nagoya or Atami?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. 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.

A week in Nagoya or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-the-radar big city of Nagoya. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagoya and Atami, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Atami?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya and Atami, 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 Nagoya or Atami?

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 Nagoya or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nagoya in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 27°C (80°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Atami during summer. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In July, Nagoya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagoya or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Nagoya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene.

Nagoya is around the same temperature as Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Atami. Nagoya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets less rain in October than Atami. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Atami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Atami. The winter months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. In the winter, Nagoya is cooler than Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagoya in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Atami during winter. Nagoya gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Atami. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagoya or Atami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Atami. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches.

In April, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 14°C (58°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Atami. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Atami. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atami and Nagoya