A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Kobe for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Nikko or Kobe?

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 Kobe 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 cultural, tranquil, and relaxing town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Nikko travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kobe travel costs.

Nikko and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Kobe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nikko than Kobe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nikko is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kobe is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Nikko is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Also, Nikko is famous for the Toshogu Shrine. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Nikko different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Nikko has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

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

Both Nikko and Kobe offer a number of very good 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 Kobe. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Nikko or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Kobe 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 Kobe has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

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 Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Nikko offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Nikko is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. 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.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Kobe?

Kobe is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Nikko or Kobe More Beautiful?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its 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.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nikko or Kobe Better for Families?

Nikko is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nikko. 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Nikko or Kobe Better for Couples?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Nikko or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Nikko or Kobe a more walkable city?

Nikko is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Nikko is a very walkable destination. 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.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nikko or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nikko than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

Families should spend more time in Nikko than Kobe. 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 Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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.

In Kobe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this multicultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Nikko or Kobe?

Nikko 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. 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 Kobe?

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town 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.

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

A week in Nikko or Kobe?

Because Nikko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the subdued destination of Kobe. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Nikko or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 25°C (77°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Kobe. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Nikko during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Nikko is cooler than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kobe 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 October than Kobe. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Kobe. Many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nikko is much colder than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nikko in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Nikko or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Kobe. Most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

In April, Nikko is generally cooler than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 13°C (55°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Nikko