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

Should you visit Nikko or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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 relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Nikko travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a natural, relaxing, and breathtaking town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Katoomba travel costs.

Nikko and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nikko is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Katoomba is known for its nightlife and hiking. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine. Katoomba is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Nikko different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Nikko that are not to be missed. 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Nikko is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nikko makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Nikko or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Katoomba is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Katoomba has a few options to choose from. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

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 Katoomba Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Nikko is revered around the world. 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.

Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Katoomba?

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

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

Katoomba offers some nice shopping areas. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Nikko or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Nikko and Katoomba both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Is Nikko or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Nikko is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Nikko or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Nikko is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Nikko or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nikko and Katoomba are very good places to visit.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Katoomba is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Nikko is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Nikko or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Nikko is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. 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.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Nikko or Katoomba. In our opinion, Nikko has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nikko than Katoomba. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

Couples should spend more time in Nikko than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this serene small town offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. 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.

Five days in Nikko or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the small town destination of Katoomba. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

A week in Nikko or Katoomba?

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 relaxing small town of Katoomba. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Katoomba?

Katoomba has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Nikko during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nikko is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nikko is cooler than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nikko in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nikko usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nikko is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 3°C (37°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In the winter, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain July. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Katoombain July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Nikko is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. In April, Nikko usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Nikko