A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Oslo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Oslo? 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tokyo than Oslo. Tokyo is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Tokyo different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Tokyo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Tokyo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Music?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is a world class music destination. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Tokyo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tokyo or Oslo.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Couples?

Tokyo is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Oslo are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Oslo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Students?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Tokyo is a great destination for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Is Tokyo or Oslo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo and Oslo both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Is Tokyo or Oslo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Tokyo on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Oslo is a very walkable city. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Oslo?

In either Tokyo or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Oslo 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 Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Oslo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this park-filled big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. 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.

Five days in Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo is a high tech big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oslo is a fun place to experience. In Oslo, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo is a iconic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the progressive big city of Oslo. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Oslo, we can see that Tokyo 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. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Oslo is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Oslo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Oslo, 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 Tokyo or Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tokyo is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Oslo. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Oslo. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Oslo. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Tokyo is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In the spring, Tokyo is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Oslo. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Tokyo