A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagano vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nagano or Cairns?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Cairns can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Nagano travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cairns travel costs.

Nagano and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Nagano. While Nagano is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Nagano is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Nagano and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Nagano is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

How is Nagano different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for Skiing?

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

Nagano draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. 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.

Cairns is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Nagano offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Nagano and Cairns.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Cairns is an experience not to be missed. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Cairns is a must-see party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Nagano or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is terrific for the beach. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

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

Nagano has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is terrific for hiking. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Nagano or Cairns?

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

Cairns is well-known for its shopping. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Nagano or Cairns More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nagano or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Nagano is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Nagano or Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Nagano or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Cairns is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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 Nagano or Cairns Better for Students?

Nagano is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Nagano and Cairns both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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. .

Cairns has a few public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Nagano or Cairns a more walkable city?

Nagano is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Cairns?

In either Nagano or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Nagano because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Nagano or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cairns. 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.

A weekend in Nagano or Cairns?

Nagano 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.

Cairns is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagano or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the traditional destination of Nagano. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Cairns. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Cairns, we can see that Cairns is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nagano is in Asia and Cairns is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Cairns?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Cairns, 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 Nagano or Cairns?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cairns is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nagano has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nagano or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Cairns. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nagano is cooler than Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Nagano or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Cairns. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nagano is generally much colder than Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Nagano or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Nagano is much colder than Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

In the spring, Nagano is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagano in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Nagano