A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagoya vs. Cromwell for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nagoya or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Nagoya or Cromwell? 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Nagoya travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Cromwell travel costs.

Nagoya and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nagoya or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagoya. Although Nagoya and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Nagoya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagoya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Cromwell is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. Nagoya is popular for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also home to the Nagoya Castle.

How is Nagoya different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nagoya is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Nagoya is not a skiing destination.


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

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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 Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nagoya has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.


Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Cromwell is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Cromwell?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Families?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.


Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Cromwell is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cromwell makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Nagoya or Cromwell Better for Students?

Nagoya
Cromwell

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

It's common for students to 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.

Cromwell is not popular with students.


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

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

Nagoya has some very good public transit options. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Nagoya or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Nagoya
Cromwell

Nagoya is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagoya or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagoya than Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

Families should spend more time in Nagoya than Cromwell. 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.

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


  • How many days in Nagoya or Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagoya 2-3 
    Cromwell 1-2

One day in Nagoya or Cromwell?

Nagoya is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Nagoya or Cromwell?

Nagoya 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagoya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

Nagoya is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cromwell. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cromwell?

Nagoya is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Cromwell. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell or Nagoya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $113, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $100. 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 Nagoya and Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagoya $48
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagoya $96
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Nagoya and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Nagoya or Cromwell? 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 Nagoya


Hotels in Cromwell


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices and Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagoya $12
    Cromwell $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

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

  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $296
  • Nagoya Private Transfer To or From Suzuka Service: $292
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $285
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Port: $285
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Toyama Port: $235
  • Private Departure Transfer Nagoya City to Chubu Centrair International Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Cruise Port: $201
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (NGO): $201
  • Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) - Departure Private Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $139
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $139
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagoya or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell and Nagoya 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
    Nagoya $49
    Cromwell $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals 【Private Tour】: $59
  • Osu Kannon Temple & Street Food Tour in Nagoya's Osu District: $83
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $159
  • Traditional Ukai Watching Private Tour from Nagoya With Dinner: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagoya $13
    Cromwell $16

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

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

  • Buddhas at a Temple and Tea Ceremony Experience: $91
  • 2 Hour Private Scenic Mountain Castle Tour in Gifu: $76
  • A Fun Car Tour to Inuyama Castle and a Phallus: $160
  • A tour to enjoy Japanese official gambling (horse racing, bicycle racing, pachinko): $72
  • All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour in Nagoya: $185
  • Arimatsu townscape walk & aperture experience: Accompanying professional photographer: $138
  • Atsuta Shrine Visit and Sweets Making Experience in Nagoya: $276
  • Autumn Leaves Private Tour in Nagoya: $172
  • Bus Tour to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go with Hida Pork Lunch : $81
  • Experience Being a Shinto Priest or Shrine Maiden at NAGOYA: $45
  • Experience the Soul of the Sword-smith : Samurai Spirit in Seki: $242
  • From Nagoya Kyoto Day Tour with Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu Lunch: $93

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

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

  • Queenstown to Middlemarch Small-Group Guided Tour (One-Way): $92
  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagoya $13
    Cromwell $9.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • The Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl: $40


When comparing the travel costs between Nagoya and Cromwell, 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. Even though Nagoya is in Asia and Cromwell is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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