A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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 small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

Which city is cheaper, Kobe or Nikko?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $75, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $94. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nikko and Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nikko $42
    Kobe $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nikko $84
    Kobe $110

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nikko -
    Kobe $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $185
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $185
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $174
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $150
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $150
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport: Private Transfer to/from Kobe City: $149
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $142
  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport: $139
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $96
  • Private Departure Transfer Kobe City to Kobe International Airport: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe and Nikko 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
    Nikko $28
    Kobe $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nikko

For Nikko, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nikko Guided Tour by Chartered Vehicle with Exclusive Lunch and Dinner: $2,910

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nikko $20
    Kobe $21

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $166
  • Cycling and Fire Ceremony Experience in Oku-Nikko: $1,551
  • Exciting Nikko - One Day Tour from Tokyo: $347
  • Full Day Nikko Private Custom Tour from Tokyo by Chartered Vehicle: $1,122
  • Nikko 1 day private walking tour: $430
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $260
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $149
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $129
  • Nikko Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Nikko Private Tour by public transportation: $289
  • The Nikko National Park Bike Experience: $172
  • Trekking and Private Onsen Temple Tour in Nikko: $1,474

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $161
  • 1-Day Kobe and Arima Onsen Private Custom Tour from Osaka by Chartered Vehicle: $831
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef: $126
  • 5 Hours of Hiking in Kobe and Mindful Tea Ceremony Experience in Nature: $302
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $246
  • KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $429
  • Kobe 1-Day Private Walking Highlights Tour: $369
  • Kobe Custom Full Day Tour: $236
  • Kobe Custom Half Day Tour: $136
  • Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $129
  • Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nikko $14
    Kobe $7.81

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • Private Tour: Visit Nada Sake Brewery from Kobe: $566

About these numbers

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.

Related Articles for Nikko
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Nikko vs. Kobe Travel Comparison

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