A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kamakura vs. Sado for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Kamakura or Sado?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Sado? 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.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Kamakura and Sado: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Kamakura or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Kamakura and Sado are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Sado is known for its hiking. Kamakura is more touristy than Sado and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Kamakura different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kamakura
Sado

Both Kamakura and Sado 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 Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.


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

Kamakura
Sado

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Sado 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.

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Kamakura or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Kamakura has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Kamakura or Sado Better for Beaches?

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is a popular place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

Kamakura is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Sado is not a beach destination.


Is Kamakura or Sado Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Sado 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.

Sado does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Sado Better for Hiking?

Kamakura
Sado

Sado 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.

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

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 Sado?

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is a popular place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.


Is Kamakura or Sado Better for Families?

Kamakura
Sado

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kamakura or Sado.

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.

Sado is a family-friendly coastal city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Kamakura or Sado Better for Couples?

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Kamakura or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura
Sado

Both Kamakura and Sado 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.


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

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Kamakura or Sado a more walkable city?

Kamakura
Sado

Kamakura is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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

Sado is not a very walkable coastal city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Sado?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kamakura and Sado. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sado than in Kamakura. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sado.

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

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


  • How many days in Kamakura or Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kamakura 1-2 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Kamakura or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The island of Sado offers museums and food. 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 Sado?

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sado is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Sado, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Kamakura. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sado 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 Sado?

The charming coastal city of Kamakura offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Sado 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 island 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.


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Kamakura?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kamakura is $105, while the average daily cost in Sado is $63. 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 Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamakura $75
    Sado $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamakura $150
    Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Kamakura and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Kamakura or Sado? 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 Sado


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 Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamakura $15
    Sado $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Kamakura or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $21
    Sado $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kamakura $5.66
    Sado $8.53

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • Kita-Kamakura Audio Guide Tour: Discovering Zen Serenity: $6.60
  • Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.60
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $26
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
  • Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $40
  • Kamakura Rickshaw Tour: $41
  • Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $41
  • Private Tour from North Kamakura Temples & Shrine: $42
  • Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $46
  • Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $53
  • Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $54
  • Kamakura Anime Train Photo Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kamakura $13
    Sado $67


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

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



When is the best time to visit Kamakura or Sado?

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 Kamakura or Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

Kamakura is around the same temperature as Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Sado during summer. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In July, Kamakura usually receives less rain than Sado. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kamakura is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kamakura in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Sado. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 Sado. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Sado in the Winter?

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

Sado can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kamakura is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 6°C (43°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Kamakura usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kamakura usually receives less rain than Sado. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Sado in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Sado. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches.

Kamakura is a little warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Sado. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kamakura usually gets more rain in April than Sado. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Kamakura

Kamakura Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)


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