A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a relaxing, natural, and beautiful national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nara. Although Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations, Nara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nara is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also well known for Nara Park. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Nara different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Nara is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nara is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Nara is great for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Nara for the nightlife scene. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Nara is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai both have excellent trails.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Nara is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nara. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai make for a excellent place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are nice 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Nara is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

For even more information, also check out Is Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Nara?

How long in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nara than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Nara, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Nara, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the natural destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find around the natural destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Nara is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The natural national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Nara is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nara Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 27°C (80°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Nara is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Nara during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The weather in Nara can be very cold. In the winter, Nara is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nara in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Nara usually gets more rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

In April, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 14°C (57°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Nara