A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yokohama vs. Nara for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yokohama or Nara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Nara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a bright, colorful, and under-rated city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nara

Nara is a natural, historic, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Yokohama and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Nara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama than Nara. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Yokohama is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Nara attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Yokohama different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yokohama or Nara?

Both Yokohama and Nara have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

Is the Food Better in Yokohama or Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yokohama is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Yokohama. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Nara.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Many people head to Nara for the nightlife scene. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nara to see the historical old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Nara?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nara and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Nara is well-known for its shopping. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Families?

Yokohama is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nara. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Couples?

Yokohama and Nara are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Nara is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Nara are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Nara is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Students?

Yokohama is a popular place for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Nara is not popular with students.

Is Yokohama or Nara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Yokohama and Nara.

Public transit in Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Is Yokohama or Nara a more walkable city?

Yokohama and Nara both are very good when exploring on foot.

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yokohama or Nara to fill your time. In our opinion, Yokohama has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yokohama than Nara. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Nara?

Yokohama is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Nara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Nara?

Yokohama is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Nara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Nara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Yokohama. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nara is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Nara?

The colorful city of Yokohama offers nightlife and food. 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.

Nara is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Nara, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama than you might in Nara.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Nara?

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

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 Yokohama or Nara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Nara. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Nara during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Nara. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Nara. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Yokohama is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Nara. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. Yokohama is a little warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Yokohama usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Nara. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Yokohama during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yokohama in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Nara. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 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 Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets more rain in April than Nara. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nara and Yokohama