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

Should you visit Nikko or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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 tranquil, relaxing, and peaceful town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking. See Nikko travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cromwell travel costs.

Nikko and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Cromwell?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Cromwell are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell attracts visitors for its skiing and nightlife. Nikko is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine. Cromwell is famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Nikko different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nikko or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a town with good options for skiing. However, Nikko is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Nikko is not a skiing destination.

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

Nikko is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Nikko are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Nikko is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nikko has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Nikko or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Cromwell is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Cromwell has a few options to choose from. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing 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 Cromwell Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is very popular for its old town. However, Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Nikko has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Cromwell are destinations which offer great hiking.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. 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.

Cromwell is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Cromwell?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Cromwell both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nikko. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Cromwell offers some nice shopping areas. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Nikko or Cromwell More Beautiful?

Nikko is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nikko or Cromwell Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Cromwell are great to visit with kids.

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.

Cromwell is a very kid-friendly town. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Nikko or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Nikko is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Is Nikko or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Nikko is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

Nikko has some very good public transit options. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Nikko or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Nikko is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Nikko is a very walkable town. 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nikko or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nikko than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

Families should spend more time in Nikko than Cromwell. 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 Cromwell. 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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

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 Cromwell, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Nikko or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cromwell. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Cromwell?

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 museums and skiing around the historical destination of Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Cromwell, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko is in Asia and Cromwell 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 Nikko Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.