A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kamakura vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park? 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Kamakura and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kamakura than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kamakura is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kamakura is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Also, Kamakura is famous for the Great Buddha. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Kamakura different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kamakura can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kamakura is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Kamakura has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to go 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly coastal city. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Kamakura and Shiretoko National Park make for a very good 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.

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Kamakura
Shiretoko National Park

Kamakura and Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable place. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Kamakura Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Kamakura than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kamakura 1-2 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint coastal city of Kamakura. 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 remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kamakura is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kamakura is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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, Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamakura $75
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamakura $150
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Kamakura and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamakura $15
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kamakura $5.59
    Shiretoko National Park $15

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: $6.53
  • Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.53
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $26
  • Tour on the Works of Ninshô in French: $29
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
  • Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $39
  • Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $40
  • Kamakura Rickshaw Tour: $40
  • Private Tour from North Kamakura Temples & Shrine: $41
  • Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $46
  • Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $52
  • Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kamakura $13
    Shiretoko National Park $10


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

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



When is the best time to visit Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kamakura is generally a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 25°C (77°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during summer. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In July, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Kamakura during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kamakura is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Shiretoko National Park. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Kamakura is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kamakura in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

Kamakura usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kamakura usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Shiretoko National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. In April, Kamakura is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 14°C (58°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the spring, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kamakura usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Kamakura

Kamakura Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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