A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nikko or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Nikko and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Koyasan are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine. Koyasan is famous for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Nikko different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Nikko is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Nikko or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Neither Nikko or Koyasan offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Nikko The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

People don't go to Koyasan for the nightlife. This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Nikko or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Is Nikko or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Koyasan?

Nikko is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nikko or Koyasan Better for Families?

Nikko is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Nikko or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Nikko or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nikko is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

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

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.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Nikko or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Nikko and Koyasan are very good when it comes to 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nikko or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nikko than Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Koyasan, many people enjoy the food and museums that this serene small town offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Koyasan?

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Koyasan?

Nikko is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the small town destination of Koyasan. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the serene small town of Koyasan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Koyasan, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nikko or Koyasan?

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 Nikko or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Koyasan. 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 Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nikko is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nikko is generally cooler than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In October, Nikko usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Nikko during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Nikko is much colder than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Nikko. In the winter, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Koyasan. Most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nikko is cooler than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nikko usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Nikko