Which city is cheaper, Nagano or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Tokyo or Nagano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Nagano? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Nagano?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 dayTokyo $183Nagano $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $183, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $101. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $86Nagano $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $172Nagano $138
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $22Nagano $11
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:
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Metro from Airport$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Car: $401
- Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $302
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $299
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $299
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Car: $290
- Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan: $284
- Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $267
- Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $249
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Business Car: $236
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Van: $236
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $43Nagano $25
Typical Food prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.89
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.89
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Meal at Airport$7.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
- Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
- Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
- West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
- Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
- Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
- Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
- Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
- Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
- Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
- 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $80Nagano $9.21
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
- Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
- Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
- Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
- Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
- Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
- Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
- Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
- Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
- Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
- Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
- Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- Apple picking experience in Iiyama, Nagano: $12
- COCORETO Daikon-Island Cycling Guid Tour: $23
- Nagano Guided Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji, Obuse: $1.72
- Nagano Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $36
- Private Custom Tour in TATEYAMA: $331
- Tsukiji old market vs Toyosu new market Special Secret Tour: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $37Nagano -
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Nagano, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Nagano.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Nagano in the Summer?
Both Nagano and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Nagano stays around 25°C (77°F).
Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Nagano. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 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 JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Nagano in the Autumn?
Both Nagano and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Tokyo is a little warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 18°C (64°F) in October, and Nagano stays around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.
Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Nagano in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Nagano. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January are around 5°C (42°F), and Nagano is about 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Nagano. Tokyo gets 45 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 JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Nagano in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Nagano. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Nagano stays around 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 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 AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 in) |
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