A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Nikko travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a remote, rugged, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Mount Aspiring National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Nikko and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Mount Aspiring National Park are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Aspiring National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Nikko is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular 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. Mount Aspiring National Park is famous for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Nikko different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Nikko is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nikko is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Nikko The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

People don't go to Mount Aspiring National Park for the nightlife. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is very popular for its old town. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Mount Aspiring National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Nikko is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Nikko and Mount Aspiring National Park both are comparable with their first-rate scenery and 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.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Mount Aspiring National Park are high quality 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly town. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Nikko is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for couples.

Nikko has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Nikko is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nikko can get you to some places easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Nikko is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable town. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Nikko because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Nikko than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a fun place to experience. In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Nikko or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week 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.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.