A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kamakura vs. Airlie Beach for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach? 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a ancient, quaint, and charming coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a idyllic, paradise, and laid back town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kamakura and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Kamakura and Airlie Beach are both popular with visitors, Airlie Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Airlie Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Airlie Beach is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also home to the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

How is Kamakura different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Kamakura is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

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

Kamakura is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Kamakura offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Airlie Beach is a great choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Airlie Beach a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Airlie Beach. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. 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 Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Airlie Beach specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Both Kamakura and Airlie Beach are good shopping destinations.

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Airlie Beach 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.

Airlie Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Kamakura is a family-friendly coastal 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 Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Airlie Beach makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

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.

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

Both Kamakura and Airlie Beach offer good public transit options.

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.

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Is Kamakura or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Airlie Beach is very walkable. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Both Kamakura and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Kamakura. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

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

One day in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

The beautiful town of Airlie Beach offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Airlie Beach 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.

Five days in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

A week in Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Kamakura is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Airlie Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Airlie Beach has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kamakura and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Kamakura much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kamakura is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach 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 Kamakura Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kamakura has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

Both Airlie Beach and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kamakura is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In July, Kamakura usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Kamakura during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

In the autumn, Kamakura is cooler than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kamakura in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin April. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.

Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets more rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Airlie Beach. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Kamakura is generally much colder than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 6°C (43°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during winter. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin July. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kamakura or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Airlie Beach. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Kamakura is much colder than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the spring, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kamakura usually gets more rain in April than Airlie Beachin October. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Kamakura