A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kamakura vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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 laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a relaxing, natural, and beautiful national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Kamakura and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Kamakura and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kamakura is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Kamakura different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kamakura is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kamakura. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is great for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Kamakura for the nightlife scene. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kamakura. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura is a good destination for visiting its old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a well-known 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kamakura and Chichibu-Tama-Kai make for a excellent place to visit.

Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Kamakura and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kamakura offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. In our opinion, Kamakura has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kamakura than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamakura than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the laid back coastal city of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Kamakura. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kamakura is a popular choice for travelers. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park 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 Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kamakura and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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

When is the best time to visit Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kamakura is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kamakura usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kamakura is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kamakura in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kamakura during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. In January, Kamakura is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 6°C (43°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kamakura usually gets more rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

Kamakura is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kamakura