A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Nagano for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Bandung or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Nagano? 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.

Bandung

Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nagano travel costs.

Bandung and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Nagano?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Bandung. While Bandung is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bandung attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Bandung is famous for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Bandung different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Bandung is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Bandung is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Nagano?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Bandung or Nagano.

Bandung offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

Many visitors head to Nagano specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Is the Food Better in Bandung or Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bandung have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Dining out in Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nagano has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Bandung is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Nagano is a good destination for visiting its old town. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Bandung and Nagano both have excellent trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Nagano?

Bandung is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bandung draws large crowds to its stores. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Bandung or Nagano More Beautiful?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nagano is a very family-friendly destination. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Couples?

Bandung is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Bandung is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bandung. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Students?

Both Bandung and Nagano are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Bandung. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Nagano is popular with students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Is Bandung or Nagano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Bandung and Nagano.

Bandung has some public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

You'll find some public transit in Nagano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Bandung or Nagano a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Bandung is a very walkable city. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bandung and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Bandung. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bandung, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Nagano 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 Bandung.

One day in Bandung or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nagano, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bandung or Nagano?

Bandung is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nagano, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer.

Five days in Bandung or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bandung or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laidback destination of Bandung. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Nagano. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano than you might in Bandung.

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

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Nagano?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Nagano, 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.