A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Kobe for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nara or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Nara or Kobe? 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 cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nara and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Kobe?

Both Kobe and Nara have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nara is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kobe is known for its food and big city activities. Nara is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Nara different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nara is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Is the Food Better in Nara or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kobe. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

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).

Is Nara or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Nara is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Nara or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe 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.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Nara is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nara for the hiking trails. 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.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Kobe?

Both Nara and Kobe are superb shopping destinations.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 explore the shopping areas in Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Nara or Kobe Better for Families?

Nara is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nara. 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Nara or Kobe Better for Couples?

Nara is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nara is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Nara or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Kobe are good 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.

Kobe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Nara or Kobe 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. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nara. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Nara or Kobe a more walkable city?

Nara is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Nara?

How long in Nara or Kobe?

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

Families should spend more time in Nara than Kobe. 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 Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nara. 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.

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

A weekend in Nara or Kobe?

Nara 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.

Kobe 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 Kobe?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Nara. This city 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.

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

A week in Nara or Kobe?

The cultural city of Nara offers nightlife and food. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Kobe. Most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nara is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nara in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In October, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 17°C (63°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during autumn. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives more rain than Kobe. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Kobe in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. Nara is cooler than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Nara usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Kobe in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Nara is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nara in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe 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 Kobe. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Nara