A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nara or Kyoto?

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

Should I visit Nara or Kyoto? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nara and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Kyoto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Nara. Kyoto is bigger than Nara, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nara is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Kyoto is more touristy than Nara and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Nara different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Many visitors head to Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Nara is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Nara or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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 Kyoto Better for Hiking?

Nara is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Kyoto?

Both Nara and Kyoto are excellent 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Nara or Kyoto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Kyoto.

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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Nara or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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.

Is Nara or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is notable for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Both Nara and Kyoto offer excellent public transit options.

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.

Kyoto offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Nara or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Nara?

How long in Nara or Kyoto?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nara and Kyoto. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kyoto than in Nara. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 2-3 days is enough time in Kyoto.

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

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

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

One day in Nara or Kyoto?

In Nara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional 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 Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Kyoto?

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 traditional destination of Kyoto. This city 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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 cultural city of Kyoto offers nightlife and food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, and The Best Contiki Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Kyoto?

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

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Kyoto. Many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

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

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nara usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nara or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nara as well as Kyoto. 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 Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nara usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kyoto. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. The weather in Nara can be very cold. In January, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

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

In January, Nara usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nara or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Nara during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nara is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

Kyoto 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 April than Kyoto. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Nara