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

Should you visit Kamakura or Newcastle?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Newcastle? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a trendy, coastal, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kamakura and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Kamakura or Newcastle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Newcastle than Kamakura. Newcastle is bigger than Kamakura, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Newcastle is better known for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamakura is more popular for its historical sights. Kamakura is more touristy than Newcastle and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Newcastle is well known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Also, Newcastle is famous for the Bathers Way.

How is Kamakura different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Both Kamakura and Newcastle have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Many visitors head to Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.


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

Kamakura
Newcastle

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Newcastle can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Newcastle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Kamakura or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Both Kamakura and Newcastle are high quality when it comes to 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.

Newcastle has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Is Kamakura or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Newcastle is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beache.

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

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 Newcastle Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura offers a nice historic old town area. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Kamakura
Newcastle

If you're looking to go hiking, Kamakura and Newcastle both have notable trails.

Kamakura is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Newcastle?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Newcastle is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Newcastle is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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 Kamakura or Newcastle Better for Families?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kamakura or Newcastle.

Kamakura is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly coastal city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Kamakura or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Kamakura is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Kamakura or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Both Kamakura and Newcastle are notable 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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.


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

Kamakura
Newcastle

Both Kamakura and Newcastle offer notable 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.

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Kamakura or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Kamakura
Newcastle

Kamakura and Newcastle both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Kamakura or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Couples should spend more time in Kamakura than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle.


  • How many days in Kamakura or Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kamakura 1-2 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Kamakura or Newcastle?

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Kamakura. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamakura has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Newcastle offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Newcastle?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Kamakura. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Newcastle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newcastle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Newcastle?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back coastal city of Kamakura. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

Kamakura is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Kamakura?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kamakura is $104, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $91. 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 Kamakura and Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamakura $75
    Newcastle $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamakura $150
    Newcastle $88
Compare Hotels in Kamakura and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Kamakura or Newcastle? 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 Kamakura


Hotels in Newcastle


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 and Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamakura $15
    Newcastle $8.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
  • Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
  • Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $751

Is it cheaper to fly into Kamakura or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle and Kamakura 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
    Kamakura $20
    Newcastle $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kamakura $5.59
    Newcastle $15

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

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

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

  • Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $9.91
  • Skip the Line: Handmade Cheese, Fruit Paste & Gourmet Bread & Wafers Lunch: $17
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
  • Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise: $27
  • Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $30
  • Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $37
  • Newscastle: Australian Tree Ropes Course Adventure: $42
  • Lake Macquarie Cruise with Lunch: $46
  • Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise: $49
  • Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kamakura $13
    Newcastle $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.32
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $6.60
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.91
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
  • 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $26
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
  • Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $72
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $102


When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura and Newcastle, we can see that Kamakura 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. Even though Kamakura is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura and Newcastle, 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 Kamakura or Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

Both Newcastle and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In July, Kamakura is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein January. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 25°C (77°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In July, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Newcastlein January. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Kamakura during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Kamakura is around the same temperature as Newcastle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

In the autumn, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein April. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.

Newcastle 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 Newcastlein April. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Newcastle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Newcastle. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kamakura is much colder than Newcastle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kamakura in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Newcastle averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during winter. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kamakura usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Newcastle. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Kamakura is generally cooler than Newcastlein October. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 14°C (58°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In the spring, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein October. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kamakura usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Kamakura

Kamakura Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)


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