Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Kamakura?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Kamakura 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.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Kamakura?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Kamakura $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $104. 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 Hongcun and Kamakura in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Kamakura $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Kamakura $150
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Kamakura
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Kamakura $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Kamakura?
Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Hongcun 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
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Food Meals for one dayHongcun $19Kamakura $20
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Kamakura $5.59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Kamakura
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:
- Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.32
- Kita-Kamakura Audio Guide Tour: Discovering Zen Serenity: $6.32
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $25
- Tour on the Works of Ninshô in French: $28
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
- Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $38
- Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $39
- Kamakura Rickshaw Tour: $39
- Private Tour from North Kamakura Temples & Shrine: $40
- Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $44
- Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $51
- From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Kamakura $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Kamakura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamakura than you might in Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Kamakura?
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 Hongcun or Kamakura in the Summer?
Both Kamakura and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hongcun is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Kamakura 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Kamakura in the Autumn?
Both Kamakura and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Kamakura 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Kamakura in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Kamakura. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hongcun can be very cold during winter. Hongcun is cooler than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Kamakura 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Kamakura in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Kamakura. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.
In the spring, Hongcun is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Kamakura. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Kamakura 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kamakura and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Kamakura | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.