A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Canberra for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Nikko or Canberra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nikko and Canberra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nikko

Nikko is a rural, historic, and cultural town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nikko and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra. Although Nikko and Canberra are popular destinations, Canberra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Canberra is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also well known for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Nikko different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nikko or Canberra?

Nikko is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Nikko are world-renowned. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Is the Food Better in Nikko or Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nikko and Canberra offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Canberra is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Canberra has a few options to choose from. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is terrific for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Nikko has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Nikko is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Canberra?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Canberra both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nikko. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Canberra offers some nice shopping areas. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Canberra are excellent to visit with kids.

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Canberra is a very kid-friendly town. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Couples?

Nikko is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

Canberra is a good town for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Nikko is not popular with students.

Is Nikko or Canberra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Nikko has some very good public transit options. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Nikko or Canberra a more walkable city?

Nikko is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Nikko is a very walkable town. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

For even more information, also check out Is Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nikko and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nikko than in Canberra. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko than Canberra 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 Nikko.

One day in Nikko or Canberra?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Canberra, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Nikko or Canberra?

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Nikko or Canberra?

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Canberra. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Canberra?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Canberra. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nikko is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Nikko.

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Canberra, 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 Nikko or Canberra?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nikko has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nikko or Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Canberra. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nikko is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Canberra. Many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Canberrain April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. Nikko is much colder than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Nikko during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the spring, Nikko is cooler than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Nikko