A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Nagano for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Surabaya or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Nagano? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a local, undiscovered, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Nagano

Nagano is a historic, traditional, and alpine city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Nagano travel costs.

Surabaya and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Nagano?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Surabaya is known for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities. Nagano is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also home to Zenko-ji Temple. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

Nagano is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surabaya or Nagano?

Nagano is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Nagano offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

Is the Food Better in Surabaya or Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Nagano know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a popular place for its resorts. However, Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a city with good options for the beach. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Surabaya. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Nagano?

Surabaya is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Surabaya is well-known for its shopping. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Surabaya or Nagano More Beautiful?

Nagano is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Nagano is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Couples?

Nagano is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagano is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is a popular place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Nagano is popular with students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

Is Surabaya or Nagano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagano is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nagano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Surabaya or Nagano a more walkable city?

Surabaya is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Surabaya is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Surabaya Worth Visiting? and Is Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Nagano?

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

Families should spend more time in Nagano than Surabaya. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nagano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nagano than Surabaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nagano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano than Surabaya 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 Nagano.

One day in Surabaya or Nagano?

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. 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.

A weekend in Surabaya or Nagano?

Surabaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Surabaya or Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Surabaya or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local big city of Surabaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nagano is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surabaya and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surabaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surabaya 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano than you might in Surabaya.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Nagano?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Nagano, 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.