A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Nara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tokyo or Nara?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Nara? 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

Which city is cheaper, Nara or Tokyo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $183, while the average daily cost in Nara is $97. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $86
    Nara $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $172
    Nara $118
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Nara? 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.

Hotels in Tokyo


Hotels in Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $22
    Nara $6.96
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:


  • Metro from Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $25
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $51
  • Tokyo Disneyland Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to Disneyland (One Way): $51
  • Tokyo DisneySea Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to DisneySea (One Way): $51
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $78
  • Tokyo hotel/address to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $80
  • Japan Private Airport Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport (HND): $97
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Narita International Airport: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by Minivan: $108
  • Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo City Center to Tokyo Disneyland: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tokyo $43
    Nara $32
Typical Food prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.89
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.89
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Cooking Japanese rice in traditional oven at Shikano-fune, Kamado: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tokyo $80
    Nara $8.95

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Samurai Spots in Tokyo Virtual Tour: $8.26
  • Tokyo Tower: Admission Ticket: $11
  • 1-Hour River Cruise Asakusa to Odaiba: $11
  • Japanese Snacks You Should Try: Online Experience by Local Guide: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Japan: the bathing and Sento experience: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Ghibli Spots in Japan: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Tokyo Highlights: $12
  • Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku with a Local Expert: $14
  • Virtual Tour to Discover Mount Fuji: $14
  • Online Japanese Archery Experience: $15
  • Tokyo Online Tour All in One, With 10+ Top Sights!: $15
  • Thermae-Yu Hotspring in Shinjuku Entrance Ticket: $21

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • 1-Day Nara and Uji Private Custom Tour from Osaka by Chartered Vehicle: $831
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour!: $30
  • Deer City Nara Walking & Izakaya Hopping Tour: $167
  • Discover Traditional Nara Walking Tour (Full day): $118
  • Discover Traditional Nara Walking Tour (Half day): $91
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara Temples: $246
  • Gigantic Todai-ji Temple Early Bird Tour: $96
  • Hand Painted Yuzen Dyeing Experience: $383
  • Heijo Palace Walking Tour (Half Day): $43
  • Heijo Palace and Yamato Koriyama Walking Tour (Full Day): $107
  • Japanese Calligraphy Experience in Nara: $35
  • Nara - Craft Beer and Sake Walking Tour: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $37
    Nara $13
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.42

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Nara, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.


When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Nara?

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 Tokyo or Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Nara stays around 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Nara. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nara 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 July than Nara. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Nara. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Nara in the autumn. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 18°C (64°F) in October, and Nara stays around 17°C (63°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Nara during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Nara. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Nara. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nara can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tokyo is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January are around 5°C (42°F), and Nara is about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Nara. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Nara stays around 14°C (57°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Nara during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Tokyo

Tokyo Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)


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Tokyo vs. Nara Travel Comparison

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