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

Should you visit Nagoya or Okinawa?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nagoya and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Okinawa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Okinawa than Nagoya. While Nagoya 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 Nagoya attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Okinawa is more touristy than Nagoya and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands. Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry.

How is Nagoya different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Okinawa 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 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 Nagoya or Okinawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Okinawa. 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 Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

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 Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a resort destination.

Is Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is very popular for the beach. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Okinawa?

Nagoya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Nagoya. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. 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 Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagoya or Okinawa.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Okinawa is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa is very popular for couples. Also, Nagoya 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.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya and Okinawa are both nice 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.

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 Nagoya or Okinawa Better for Students?

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

Nagoya is a good city to visit for 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.

Okinawa is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya can get you to most places 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.

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 Nagoya or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Nagoya is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its 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.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Okinawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Okinawa?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagoya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Nagoya. 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 Nagoya. 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 Nagoya than Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagoya or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagoya or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagoya or Okinawa?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Okinawa. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagoya and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. And not only is Nagoya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagoya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagoya 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa than you might in Nagoya.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Okinawa?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Okinawa. Most visitors come to Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 27°C (80°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, Nagoya often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagoya usually gets more rain in July than Okinawa. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagoya 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, Nagoya is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagoya in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Nagoya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa during autumn. Nagoya gets 176 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 Nagoya. In October, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagoya or Okinawa in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Nagoya in the winter. In January, Nagoya is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 4°C (40°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the winter, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Nagoya gets 180 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. Nagoya usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Okinawa in the Spring?

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

Nagoya is cooler than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Nagoya