A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Hiking, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

Should I visit Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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.

Nara

Nara is a traditional, tranquil, and natural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a iconic, world renowned, and majestic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Nara and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nara. Although Nara and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both popular with visitors, Nara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nara is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Nara is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also home to Nara Park.

How is Nara different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Nara and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

Many visitors head to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nara is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nara is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Nara has something for everybody. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Nara is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park make for a high quality 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

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

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its public transit.

Nara offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Nara is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Nara?

How long in Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Families should spend more time in Nara than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Nara.

One day in Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The tranquil destination of Nara offers shopping and museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nara has to offer.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Nara is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the tranquil city of Nara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

The dramatic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers museums. 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 comparing the travel costs between Nara and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Nara is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nara in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 17°C (63°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nara during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Nara is cooler than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Nara usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nara is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nara in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nara usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nara