A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Old Town, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Nara or Koyasan?

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

Should I visit Nara or Koyasan? 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Nara and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Koyasan is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Koyasan is more touristy than Nara and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park.

How is Nara different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Nara and Koyasan.

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 Koyasan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Both Nara and Koyasan 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).

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Nara or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Nara is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Nara know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Nara or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is notable for its old town. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

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.

Is Nara or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Nara is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Koyasan?

Nara is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nara or Koyasan Better for Families?

Nara is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Nara or Koyasan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Koyasan make for a superb 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.

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Nara or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Nara is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Nara or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Nara and Koyasan both are superb 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Nara?

How long in Nara or Koyasan?

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

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

In Nara, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nara or Koyasan?

In Nara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nara has to offer.

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Koyasan?

Nara is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Because Koyasan is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Koyasan, we can see that Nara 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 Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nara or Koyasan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nara or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Koyasan. Most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nara is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during summer. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nara usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nara or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nara as well as Koyasan. The autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In the autumn, Nara is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nara usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Koyasan. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. In January, Nara is generally cooler than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during winter. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nara usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koyasan. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nara or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Nara during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Nara is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the spring, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. Nara usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koyasan. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Nara