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

Should you visit Ubud 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 Ubud 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.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Ubud travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of Nikko is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Nikko travel costs.

Ubud and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Nikko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nikko than Ubud, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nikko is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ubud is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Ubud is more touristy than Nikko and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Nikko is well known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Also, Nikko is famous for the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Ubud different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nikko is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Nikko on the map. 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.

Ubud offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

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

Ubud 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 Ubud have been singled out for their culinary prowess. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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 Ubud or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Ubud is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

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 Ubud or Nikko Better for Resorts?

Ubud is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

Ubud is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud does not have a historic old town.

Is Ubud or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Nikko, and they are very good.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Ubud. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Nikko?

Ubud is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

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

Is Ubud or Nikko More Beautiful?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Nikko is one of the main draws. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Is Ubud or Nikko Better for Families?

Nikko is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nikko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ubud or Nikko Better for Couples?

Ubud and Nikko both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Ubud is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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 Ubud or Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud and Nikko are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ubud is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko is a great destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Nikko offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Ubud or Nikko a more walkable city?

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

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

Nikko is very walkable. 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 Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Ubud or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ubud due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

One day in Ubud or Nikko?

In Ubud, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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 museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Nikko?

Ubud is a fun place to experience. In Ubud, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Nikko?

In Ubud, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this breathtaking destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Nikko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, 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 Ubud and Nikko, we can see that Ubud 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Nikko?

Ubud has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Ubud 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.