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

Should you visit Nikko or Nara?

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 Nara 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 natural, rural, and historic town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nikko and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Nara are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Nara attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Nikko is more touristy than Nara and is popular 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. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Nikko different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Nikko is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nikko or Nara Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Nara for the nightlife scene. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Is Nikko or Nara Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Nara are destinations which offer excellent 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.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Nara?

Nara 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 Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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

Is Nikko or Nara Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Nara 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.

Nara is a very kid-friendly town. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Nikko or Nara Better for Couples?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Is Nikko or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nikko and Nara 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 Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Is Nikko or Nara a more walkable city?

Nikko and Nara 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.

Nara is a very walkable town. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nara or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Nara?

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

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

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Nara?

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nara. 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 Nara?

Because Nikko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Nara. 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 Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Nara?

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

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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Nikko during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nikko is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

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

Nara 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 July than Nara. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Nara. 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. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Nara. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. Nikko can be very cold during winter. Nikko is much colder than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In the winter, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Nara. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In April, Nikko usually receives less rain than Nara. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nara and Nikko