A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Kamakura for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Kamakura? 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: Dalian or Kamakura?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

Kamakura

An old city center of medieval Japan, Kamakura sits today on the seaside just south of Tokyo. Due to its early beginnings, the city is dotted with Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. It has become a prominent resort town drawing visitors with its many historic landmarks as well as nearby beaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Dalian?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dalian Prices
    China Prices
    Kamakura Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dalian $124
    Kamakura $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dalian and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $55
    Kamakura $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $110
    Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Kamakura? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dalian


Hotels in Kamakura


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $41
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Dalian change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dalian $48
    Kamakura $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kamakura.

  • Sushi Roll Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Community Dinner with Locals: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.86
    Kamakura $5.79

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
  • Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:

  • A Meditative Calligraphy Experience: $74
  • Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
  • Calligraphy Experience in Kamakura: $88
  • From Daibutsu Hiking Trail Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
  • Kamakura 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience: $159
  • Kamakura Half Day Tour with a Local Expert Guide: $91
  • Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha: $107
  • Kamakura Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $135
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Anime Train & Fuji view: $128
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase: $202
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka shrine: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.41
    Kamakura $14


When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Kamakura, we can see that Dalian 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Kamakura?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Kamakura, 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 Dalian or Kamakura?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dalian or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Dalian during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the summer, Dalian is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dalian in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. Dalian usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Kamakura. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Dalian is generally cooler than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 15°C (58°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Kamakura. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. Dalian is much colder than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Dalian is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dalian in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Dalian

Dalian Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)