A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Nelson for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nikko or Nelson?

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 Nelson 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. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Nelson

Nelson is a adventure-filled, natural, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nikko and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Nelson?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nelson. Although Nikko and Nelson are both popular with visitors, Nelson has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nelson is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Nikko is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Nelson is popular for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. It is also home to Abel Tasman National Park.

How is Nikko different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Nikko that are not to be missed. 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.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Both Nikko and Nelson 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 Nelson. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

Is Nikko or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Nelson 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 Nelson has a few options to choose from. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

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 Nelson Better for Beaches?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Nelson is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Nelson Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is renowned for its historic old town. However, Nelson does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Nikko is one of the most recognized in 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.

Nelson does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Nelson Better for Hiking?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Nelson visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Nelson?

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

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

Nelson offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Nikko or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Nelson is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

Nikko is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Nikko or Nelson Better for Couples?

Both Nikko and Nelson 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.

Nelson is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

Is Nikko or Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Nelson. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

Nikko is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Nikko or Nelson a more walkable city?

Nikko and Nelson are great 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.

Nelson is a very walkable town. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Nelson?

In either Nikko or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than Nikko because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nelson 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 Nelson.

One day in Nikko or Nelson?

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 Nelson, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this natural destination offers. 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 Nelson?

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 Nelson. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Nikko or Nelson?

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.

Nelson is a fun place to experience. In Nelson, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Nelson?

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 food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Nelson. 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 Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Nelson, we can see that Nelson 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. Even though Nikko is in Asia and Nelson is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nikko Expensive? and Is Nelson Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Nelson?

Nelson has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Nelson, 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.