A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Adelaide for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Nikko or Adelaide?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nikko and Adelaide 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a historic, cultural, and tranquil town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nikko travel costs.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Adelaide travel costs.

Nikko and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Adelaide?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Adelaide are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nikko is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide is known for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Nikko is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Nikko different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nikko is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

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

Nikko is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nikko. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Adelaide has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

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 Nikko or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is great for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is renowned for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

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.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Adelaide?

Adelaide is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

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

Is Nikko or Adelaide More Beautiful?

Nikko is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Adelaide 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.

Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for Families?

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

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for Couples?

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

Nikko is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Nikko or Adelaide Better for Students?

Adelaide 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 Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko and Adelaide both offer great public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Nikko can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you around easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Is Nikko or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Nikko and Adelaide are great when it comes to walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. 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.

Adelaide is a very walkable town. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Adelaide?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko than Adelaide 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 Nikko or Adelaide?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

In Adelaide, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A weekend in Nikko or Adelaide?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Nikko or Adelaide?

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

Adelaide is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Adelaide. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Adelaide?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the elegant destination of Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Adelaide, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nikko is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Nikko.

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Adelaide, 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 Nikko or Adelaide?

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

Should I visit Nikko or Adelaide in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Adelaide. The summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

Nikko is a little warmer than Adelaide in the summer. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Adelaidein January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Adelaide in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Adelaide. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nikko is cooler than Adelaide. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nikko in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Adelaide averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. In the autumn, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein April. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Adelaidein April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Adelaide in the Winter?

Both Adelaide and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Adelaide in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Nikko is generally much colder than Adelaidein July. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 3°C (37°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Adelaide during winter. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Adelaidein July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Adelaide in the Spring?

Both Adelaide and Nikko during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches during these months.

Nikko is cooler than Adelaide in the spring. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein October. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Adelaidein October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Nikko