A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Atami for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nara or Atami?

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

Should I visit Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nara and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its beaches. Nara is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Nara different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nara 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 Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nara and Atami offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nara. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Atami is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Nara or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Nara 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.

Nara has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a popular place for the beache. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Nara or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a city with good options for its old town. However, Atami does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Atami Better for Hiking?

Nara is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Atami?

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

Nara is well-known for its shopping. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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 Nara or Atami Better for Families?

Nara is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nara is very family-friendly. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara or Atami Better for Couples?

Nara is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Atami is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Nara or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Atami are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Atami a more walkable city?

Nara 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.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Nara?

How long in Nara or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nara or Atami to fill your time. In our opinion, Nara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nara than Atami. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nara 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 Nara.

One day in Nara or Atami?

In Nara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Atami. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nara or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Atami?

Nara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nara. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Atami. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The overlooked town of Atami offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Atami?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Nara 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 Nara or Atami?

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 Nara or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Nara during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nara is around the same temperature as Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Nara often gets more sunshine than Atami. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 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 Nara. Nara usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Atami. Most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nara is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Nara usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nara usually receives less rain than Atami. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Atami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nara as well as Atami. The winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. In January, Nara is generally cooler than Atami. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Nara often gets less sunshine than Atami. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Nara usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches.

Nara is around the same temperature as Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Nara usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Nara. In April, Nara usually receives less rain than Atami. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atami and Nara