A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Nagasaki for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Nikko or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki 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. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a welcoming, interesting, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Nagasaki?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagasaki than Nikko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagasaki is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Nikko is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is well known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Nagasaki is well known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Also, Nagasaki is famous for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

How is Nikko different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Nikko has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Nagasaki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

Both Nikko and Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Nikko or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Nagasaki for the nightlife scene. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 Nagasaki Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

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.

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Nagasaki Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Nagasaki?

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

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

Nagasaki offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Nikko or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Nikko is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nikko. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Nikko or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Nikko is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Nikko or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nikko and Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can get you around easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Is Nikko or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Nikko is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Nikko is a very walkable destination. 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.

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Nagasaki?

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

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

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming destination offers. 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 Nagasaki?

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nagasaki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nagasaki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Nagasaki?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Nagasaki. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Nagasaki, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

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

In July, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Nikko is cooler than Nagasaki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Nagasaki. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Nagasaki. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nikko is much colder than Nagasaki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nikko in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

In April, Nikko is generally cooler than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 13°C (55°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the spring, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki 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 April than Nagasaki. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Nikko