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

Should you visit Nikko or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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 rural, historic, and cultural town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nikko and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Nagano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagano. Although Nikko and Nagano are popular destinations, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Nikko different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nagano and Nikko. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is great for skiing. However, Nikko is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Nikko is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nikko or Nagano?

Nikko is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Both Nikko and Nagano 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Nagano for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is terrific for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Nikko has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Nagano are destinations which offer great hiking.

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.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Nagano?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Nagano both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nikko. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Nagano offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Nagano 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.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly town. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Couples?

Nikko is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Nagano is a good town for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nikko or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Nikko can get you around easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nikko or Nagano a more walkable city?

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

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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Nagano?

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

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

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Nagano?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Nikko or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Nagano?

Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the historic destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

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

Nikko usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In July, Nikko usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Nikko during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Nagano. Many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. Nikko is a little warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nikko usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Nagano. Many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nikko is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Nikko