A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tianjin vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tianjin or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Tianjin 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.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Nagano?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, 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 Tianjin and Nagano, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Tianjin.

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

Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Nagano?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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.

When is the best time to visit Tianjin or Nagano?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tianjin or Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Tianjin. In July, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Nagano. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tianjin or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Tianjin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tianjin or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Nagano. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. Tianjin is much colder than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Nagano. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tianjin or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Nagano. Additionally, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tianjin is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the spring, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Tianjin