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

Should you visit Nikko or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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. 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Torquay travel costs.

Nikko and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Torquay 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 Torquay attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Nikko is more touristy than Torquay 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. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Nikko different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf 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 Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Nikko is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf 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 Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Nikko or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Torquay is a surf 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 Torquay has a few options to choose from. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang 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 Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Torquay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Torquay Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is renowned for its old town. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Torquay are destinations which offer high quality 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.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Torquay?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Torquay 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.

Torquay offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Nikko or Torquay More Beautiful?

Nikko is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its 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.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Nikko or Torquay Better for Families?

Nikko is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nikko is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Nikko or Torquay Better for Couples?

Nikko is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Nikko or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

Torquay is a good town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Nikko is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Nikko or Torquay a more walkable city?

Nikko and Torquay are high quality 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.

Torquay is a very walkable town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nikko and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nikko than in Torquay. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

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

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Torquay, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this casual destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This surf town 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 Torquay?

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Torquay. 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 Torquay?

Nikko is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Torquay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Torquay. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the thriving destination of Torquay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nikko and Torquay, 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 Torquay 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 Torquay Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

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

Both Torquay and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nikko is around the same temperature as Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nikko in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Torquay. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In July, Nikko usually receives around the same amount of rain as Torquayin January. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay and Nikko during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In October, Nikko is generally cooler than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Torquay. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. Nikko is much colder than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Torquay. Many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nikko is much colder than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Torquayin October. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Nikko