A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Nagano for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Nara or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Nara or Nagano? 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nagano

Nagano is a alpine, scenic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Nara and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nara or Nagano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Nara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nara is more popular for its shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Nara different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nagano and Nara. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Nara or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nara
Nagano

Nagano is notable for snow skiing. However, Nara is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Nara is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nara or Nagano?

Nara
Nagano

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Nara and Nagano.

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 Nagano specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Nara
Nagano

Nagano 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nara
Nagano

Evening events are excellent in both Nara and Nagano.

Nara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Nagano has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.


Is Nara or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nara
Nagano

Nagano is a popular place for its resorts. However, Nara is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Nara is not a resort destination.

Is Nara or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nara
Nagano

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Nara and Nagano.

Many people head to Nara to see the 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.

Nagano has an old town worth visiting. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nara or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nara
Nagano

If you're looking to go hiking, Nara and Nagano 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 Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.


Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Nagano?

Nara
Nagano

Nara is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Nara is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nara or Nagano Better for Families?

Nara
Nagano

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Nagano.

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 Nagano. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Nara or Nagano Better for Couples?

Nara
Nagano

Nara is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.


Is Nara or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nara
Nagano

Both Nara and Nagano 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.

Nagano is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nara or Nagano Better for Students?

Nara
Nagano

Nagano is a popular place for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Nara
Nagano

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

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.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .


Is Nara or Nagano a more walkable city?

Nara
Nagano

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

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Nara?

How long in Nara or Nagano?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nara than Nagano. 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.


  • How many days in Nara or Nagano? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nara 1-2 
    Nagano 1-3

One day in Nara or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nagano. 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 Nagano?

Nara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nagano 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 Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Nagano. 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.

A week in Nara or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Nara. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The historic city of Nagano offers shopping and 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.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Nara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nara is $87, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $91. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nara and Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nara $53
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nara $106
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Nara and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Nara or Nagano? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nara


Hotels in Nagano


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nara Hotel Prices and Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nara $5.90
    Nagano $9.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Nara or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano and Nara change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nara $29
    Nagano $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $74
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nara $7.90
    Nagano $8.26

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $44
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $68
  • Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $119
  • Farming Experience in a Beautiful Rural Village in Nara: $145
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $98
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $98
  • Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour: $236
  • Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour: $101
  • Nara - Heart of Nature Bike Tour: $101
  • Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $74
  • Nara - Private Family Bike Tour: $203
  • Nara Best Spots Private Tour with Licensed Guide (6h/8h): $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nara $11
    Nagano -


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


Which is Bigger, Nara or Nagano?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Nagano. Many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nara is around the same temperature as Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Nara often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nara 27°C (80°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nara or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano 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 Nagano because of the hiking trails, 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 Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during autumn. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nara 17°C (63°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nara or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano 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. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. The weather in Nara can be very cold. In January, Nara is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Nara often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nara usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nara 4°C (40°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Nara or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Nagano. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nara is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Nara usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Nagano. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nara 14°C (57°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Nara

Nara Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)