A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagoya vs. Koyasan for Food, Families, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Nagoya or Koyasan?

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

Should I visit Nagoya or Koyasan? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Nagoya and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Koyasan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagoya. Although Nagoya and Koyasan are both popular with visitors, Nagoya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagoya is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Nagoya and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. 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 Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Koyasan and Nagoya.

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Koyasan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Nagoya is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Nagoya, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Nagoya know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Nagoya does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Nagoya does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

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

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Koyasan?

Nagoya is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nagoya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan Better for Families?

Nagoya is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Nagoya is very family-friendly. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan Better for Students?

Nagoya is a good destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Nagoya or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Nagoya and Koyasan are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Koyasan?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagoya than Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

Because Nagoya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagoya or Koyasan?

Because Nagoya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagoya has to offer.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

Nagoya 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagoya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagoya and Koyasan, 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 Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nagoya or Koyasan?

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 Nagoya or Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan and Nagoya during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagoya for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 27°C (80°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Nagoya often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Koyasan. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Nagoya is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Nagoya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagoya or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Koyasan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nagoya in the winter. In the winter, Nagoya is cooler than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagoya in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Nagoya gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Nagoya usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koyasan. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagoya for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 14°C (58°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Nagoya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during spring. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In April, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Nagoya