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

Should you visit Nikko or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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 peaceful, natural, and rural town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Nikko and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Sydney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sydney than Nikko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sydney is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko is more popular for its historical sights, 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. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Nikko different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Nikko or Sydney.

Travelers visit Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Both Nikko and Sydney offer a number of high quality 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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Nikko or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Sydney is a world class party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nikko or Sydney Better for Beaches?

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

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Nikko offers plenty to see. 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Sydney are destinations which offer high quality 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.

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Sydney?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sydney. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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

Is Nikko or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Both Nikko and Sydney are first-rate 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.

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Is Nikko or Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

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

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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.

Is Nikko or Sydney a more walkable city?

Nikko and Sydney are high quality 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.

Sydney is a very walkable town. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Sydney?

Both Nikko and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Nikko. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sydney than Nikko. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sydney that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Nikko or Sydney?

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.

Each neighborhood in Sydney 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 Sydney?

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 Sydney. 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Sydney 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 Sydney?

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.

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Sydney. Most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 25°C (77°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the summer, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin January. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Sydneyin January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Nikko is cooler than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In October, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sydneyin April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Nikko during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. In the winter, Nikko is much colder than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nikko in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nikko. In the winter, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin July. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Sydney. Many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Nikko is generally cooler than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 13°C (55°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during spring. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nikko usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Nikko