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

Should you visit Nikko or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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 historic, cultural, and tranquil 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto. Although Nikko and Kyoto are popular destinations, Kyoto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kyoto is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji.

How is Nikko different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Nikko or Kyoto.

Travelers visit Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

Both Nikko and Kyoto offer a number of great 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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Nikko or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

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 Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Both Nikko and Kyoto have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Nikko can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Is Nikko or Kyoto Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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

Is Nikko or Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Kyoto are great 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.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Nikko or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Both Nikko and Kyoto are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nikko is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Is Nikko or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nikko and Kyoto are great places to visit.

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

Kyoto is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Nikko or Kyoto Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko and Kyoto both offer great public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Nikko can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

The public transit in Kyoto can get you around easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Nikko or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Kyoto?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nikko or Kyoto?

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Kyoto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Kyoto?

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

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

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kyoto. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Kyoto?

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Kyoto. The summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nikko is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In October, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Nikko during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. Nikko is much colder than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

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

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Kyoto. Many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nikko is cooler than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Nikko