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

Should you visit Nikko or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Nikko travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Wollongong travel costs.

Nikko and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Wollongong?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wollongong than Nikko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wollongong is better known for its nightlife, beaches, 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 more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Also, Wollongong is famous for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Nikko different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

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 Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

Both Nikko and Wollongong 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 Wollongong. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Wollongong for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is great for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Wollongong 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.

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Nikko is great for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Wollongong?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong offers some nice shopping areas. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Nikko or Wollongong More Beautiful?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very kid-friendly town. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Nikko or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko and Wollongong 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 Wollongong can get you around easily. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Is Nikko or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Nikko and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very walkable town. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Nikko or Wollongong. In our opinion, Nikko has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nikko than Wollongong. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wollongong, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Nikko, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wollongong. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Wollongong?

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Wollongong. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Wollongong?

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

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

Both Wollongong and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 25°C (77°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Nikko during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Nikko is cooler than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

In the autumn, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin April. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Wollongong. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong 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 Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nikko in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong 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 Wollongong during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Wollongong. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In April, Nikko is generally cooler than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 13°C (55°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the spring, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin October. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Nikko