A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Nikko or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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 tranquil, relaxing, and peaceful town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nikko and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Nikko and Melbourne are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Nikko different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Nikko are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Both Nikko and Melbourne offer a number of excellent 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Melbourne for the nightlife scene. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is great for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Nikko has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Melbourne are excellent 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.

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly town. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Nikko is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good town for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Nikko or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko and Melbourne both offer excellent 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 Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Nikko or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Nikko and Melbourne are excellent 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable town. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Melbourne?

In either Nikko or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Nikko because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Nikko or Melbourne?

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the livable big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Melbourne. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nikko is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein April. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. Nikko is much colder than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Nikko or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Nikko during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the spring, Nikko is cooler than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Nikko