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

Should you visit Nikko or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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 rural, historic, and cultural town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Nikko travel costs.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a high energy, trendy, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Newcastle travel costs.

Nikko and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Newcastle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newcastle than Nikko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newcastle is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Newcastle is well known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Also, Newcastle is famous for the Bathers Way.

How is Nikko different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

Nikko is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Nikko on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

Both Nikko and Newcastle offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Newcastle. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Nikko or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Newcastle for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Newcastle attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Newcastle Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Nikko has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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

Is Nikko or Newcastle More Beautiful?

Nikko is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Newcastle is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Newcastle is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nikko or Newcastle Better for Families?

Nikko is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nikko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Nikko or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Nikko is terrific for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Nikko or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nikko is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Nikko is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Nikko or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Nikko is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Nikko is a very walkable destination. 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.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Newcastle?

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

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

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Newcastle, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal 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 Newcastle?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Newcastle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Newcastle. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

Both Newcastle and Nikko during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nikko is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein January. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 25°C (77°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nikko often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Newcastle. Many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Nikko is cooler than Newcastle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newcastlein April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Newcastle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Newcastle. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nikko is much colder than Newcastle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nikko in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Newcastle averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In the winter, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastlein July. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In April, Nikko is generally cooler than Newcastlein October. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 13°C (55°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. In April, Nikko usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Nikko