A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kamakura vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Kamakura or Taupo?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Taupo? 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 charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Kamakura and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kamakura. Although Kamakura and Taupo are popular destinations, Kamakura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamakura is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Taupo attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also well known for the Great Buddha. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Kamakura different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kamakura or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Kamakura is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Kamakura is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kamakura or Taupo?

Kamakura is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Taupo 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.

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Kamakura or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Kamakura know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Kamakura or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a popular place for the beache. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Kamakura or Taupo Better for its Old Town?

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

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

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

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 Taupo?

Both Kamakura and Taupo are nice 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 Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Kamakura or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an unbeatable 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo 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.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Kamakura and Taupo offer nice 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.

Taupo has some public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Kamakura or Taupo a more walkable city?

Kamakura and Taupo both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Taupo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Taupo 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 Taupo.

One day in Kamakura or Taupo?

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ancient destination offers. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The town of Taupo offers nightlife 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Kamakura or Taupo?

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kamakura. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that skiing 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 Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing 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 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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura and Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Taupo?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura and Taupo, 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.