A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Nikko for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Nikko?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Nikko? 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a historic, cultural, and tranquil town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nikko travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

Both Nikko and Yogyakarta have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Nikko attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

How is Yogyakarta different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Yogyakarta and Nikko.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Nikko.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Nikko is an experience not to be missed. 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 Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Yogyakarta for the nightlife scene. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is renowned for its old town. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Nikko is one of the most recognized in 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nikko. 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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko More Beautiful?

Nikko is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for Families?

Nikko is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nikko is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Nikko are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Nikko is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Nikko has some very good public transit options. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Nikko is a very walkable town. 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Yogyakarta or Nikko. In our opinion, Nikko has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nikko than Yogyakarta. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko than Yogyakarta 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 Nikko.

One day in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in 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 Yogyakarta and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko than you might in Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Nikko?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.