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

Should you visit Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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.

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.

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.

Nagoya 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 for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagoya. Although Nagoya and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Nagoya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagoya 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. Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also well known for the Nagoya Castle. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Nagoya 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 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya 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 Nagoya can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 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 Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nagoya is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

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 Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

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

Nagoya offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nagoya is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly city. 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 Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya 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.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Students?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya is a nice place to visit for students. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. 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 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 Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Nagoya
Shiretoko National Park

Nagoya is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit 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.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nagoya 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 Nagoya, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Nagoya than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagoya 2-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park?

People visit Nagoya because there is so much to do. Most people head to the area for the food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Nagoya 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 great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Nagoya is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagoya. Most people head to the area for the food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Nagoya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $90, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $75. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Nagoya 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 Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices and Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagoya $11
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

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

  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Nagoya City to Chubu Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (NGO): $86
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $142
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $145
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport NKM to Shimizu Cruise Port: $182
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NKM) to Toyama Cruise Port: $242
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $768

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

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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 $28
    Shiretoko National Park $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

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

  • Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagoya $13
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

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

  • Hida Takayama from Nagoya Bus ticket Oneway/Raundway: $20
  • Shirakawa-go from nagoya oneday Bus ticket Oneway/Raundway: $23
  • Shirakawa-go From Nagoya One day Bus Self-guided Tour: $24
  • Hida Takayama from Nagoya Bus ticket Oneway/Raundway: $26
  • Cartoon experience course for travelers: $34
  • Happy and full tour with Sushi and meat in Japan: $50
  • Shirakawa-go from nagoya 1D Bus ticket with Hida Beef Lunch: $51
  • Tie-Dye Activity and Traditional Town Walking Tour in NAGOYA: $54
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $63
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $63
  • Tokugawa Garden and Nagoya Castle Sakura view 1 Day Walking Tour: $68
  • Private Tea Ceremony Experience in a Shopping Arcade Tea Room: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagoya $12
    Shiretoko National Park $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

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

  • Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40
  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagoya and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive? and Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Shiretoko National Park. Many travelers come to Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Nagoya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagoya usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

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

Both Shiretoko National Park and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nagoya 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, Nagoya is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagoya in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Nagoya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In October, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

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

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

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. Nagoya can be very cold during winter. In January, Nagoya is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 4°C (40°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Nagoya gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Nagoya usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Shiretoko National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Nagoya 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. Nagoya is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Nagoya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during spring. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Nagoya

Nagoya Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 152 mm (6 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)