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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

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 Kuala Lumpur and Nagano. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, and hiking, while Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. 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 Kuala Lumpur different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Nagano.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Nagano is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

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

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nagano More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur and Nagano both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

The beauty of Nagano is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Nagano are very good family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Nagano Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

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

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Nagano has a few public transit options. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Nagano a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Nagano. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Nagano. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nagano, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the alpine destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Kuala Lumpur. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nagano is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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.

When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur or Nagano?

Nagano has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Nagano. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Nagano. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Nagano. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Nagano. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Kuala Lumpur during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Kuala Lumpur