Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Osaka vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Osaka or Nagano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Nagano, 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.
Where Should I go: Osaka or Nagano?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $88Nagano $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Osaka and Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $44Nagano $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $88Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Osaka or Nagano? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Osaka Hotel Prices and Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $15Nagano $10
Typical Local Transportation prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Kansai International Airport (KIX): $469
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 13 Pax): $347
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 9 Pax): $324
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 4 pax): $278
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $273
- Osaka Private Transfer from Itami Airport (ITM) to central Osaka: $273
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $240
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $234
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $234
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (ITM) to Toyama Cruise Port: $216
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano and Osaka change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayOsaka $25Nagano $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki Cooking Experience in Osaka Bay by Cruise: $3.47
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $24
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $45
- Home Cooking Class: $53
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $56
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $57
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $62
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $69
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $19Nagano $8.46
Typical Entertainment prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3-Hour Private Tour in Osaka Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring : $49
- Romantic Tour In Osaka: $443
- The Best Of Osaka Walking Tour: $669
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $90
- 1-Day Mt. Koya Tour Okunoin & Danjo Garan Temples from Osaka: $198
- 100% personalized sightseeing in Osaka with Private Car (6hours): $425
- 2 Hours Private Guided Walking Tour in Osaka: $28
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $125
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $21
- 4 hours Osaka Half-Day Drive Cruising City Tour. (1 pax up): $143
- 4-Hour Osaka Bike Tour to the Neighborhood of Osaka Castle: $65
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $67
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- 1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen: $147
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $837
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $161
- 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring: $105
- Nozawa: Full-Day Fire Festival & Snow Monkey Tour on Jan 15: $139
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $714
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
- Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $168
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Nagano -
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Bar Crawl and International Mixer by Team Wild: $17
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $42
When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Nagano?
Osaka is bigger, and its population is about 7.2 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the population of Osaka vs. Nagano, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Osaka or Nagano?
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 Nagano in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Nagano.
In July, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives less rain than Nagano. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Nagano in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Nagano.
Osaka is a little warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nagano. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Nagano in the Winter?
Both Nagano and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Nagano can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Osaka is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).
It's quite sunny in Nagano. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Nagano. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Nagano in the Spring?
Both Nagano and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Osaka
| Osaka | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 in) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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