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

Should you visit Shanghai or Nikko?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Nikko. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Nikko travel costs.

Shanghai and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Nikko are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

How is Shanghai different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nikko and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Nikko?

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Shanghai and Nikko.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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.

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Shanghai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Shanghai or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a port 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 Shanghai has a few options to choose from. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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 Shanghai or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Nikko is revered around 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is Shanghai or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

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.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Nikko?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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

Is Shanghai or Nikko More Beautiful?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Is Shanghai or Nikko Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Nikko are very good family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nikko. 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 Shanghai or Nikko Better for Couples?

Shanghai and Nikko both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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.

Is Shanghai or Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Nikko are very good destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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

Is Shanghai or Nikko Better for Students?

Shanghai is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Both Shanghai and Nikko offer very good public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

The public transit in Nikko can get you to most places easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Is Shanghai or Nikko a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Nikko both are very good when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Nikko is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Nikko?

Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port 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.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Nikko?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Shanghai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Nikko, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nikko?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 910 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Nikko, 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 Shanghai or Nikko?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nikko in the Summer?

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

In July, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nikko in the Autumn?

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

Shanghai is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nikko. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nikko in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In the winter, Shanghai is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nikko in the Spring?

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

In April, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nikko. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Shanghai