A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Kamakura for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Kamakura?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Kamakura can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Kamakura?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Kamakura. Dubai is bigger than Kamakura, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura is more popular for its historical sights and hiking. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Kamakura is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Kamakura is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Kamakura?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Kamakura and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kamakura can be an interesting and educational experience. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Kamakura both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Kamakura is not a live music destination.

Dubai is a world class music destination. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Kamakura is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Kamakura are notable choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Kamakura has a beach worth visiting. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura has an old town worth visiting. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Kamakura?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Dubai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Families?

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

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Kamakura is a family-friendly city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kamakura is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Kamakura is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Students?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

Is Dubai or Kamakura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai and Kamakura both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Kamakura has a few public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Dubai or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kamakura is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable coastal city. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamakura than Dubai 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 Kamakura.

One day in Dubai or Kamakura?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Kamakura?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Dubai or Kamakura?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kamakura. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Kamakura?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Kamakura. 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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Kamakura, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Kamakura much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Kamakura is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kamakura would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamakura 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Kamakura.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Kamakura?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Kamakura. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Kamakura. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dubai is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Dubai