A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Osaka vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Osaka

Osaka is a cultural, high energy, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Osaka and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Osaka than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Osaka is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Osaka different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Osaka. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Osaka have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Osaka is a world class party destination. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is great for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Osaka. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Osaka and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Osaka and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Couples visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Osaka is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Students?

Osaka is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

Osaka has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Osaka than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Osaka that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Osaka.

One day in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Osaka, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Osaka, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural big city of Osaka. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find around the natural destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Osaka is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can be very cold during winter. Osaka is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Osaka usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Osaka is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Osaka