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

Should you visit Kamakura or Wellington?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Wellington? 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 quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kamakura and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Wellington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kamakura than Wellington. While Wellington is larger than Kamakura, Kamakura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamakura is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Wellington attracts visitors for its beaches and shopping. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also well known for the Great Buddha. Wellington is famous for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

How is Kamakura different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kamakura is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Wellington 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.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Kamakura or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Both Kamakura and Wellington 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.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Kamakura or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is considered a top beach destination. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

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 Wellington Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Wellington Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Kamakura and Wellington both have nice 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 Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Wellington?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

Kamakura is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Kamakura or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington 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 Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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 Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is a popular place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.

Wellington is a good city to visit for students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Wellington is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Wellington. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Kamakura or Wellington a more walkable city?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Wellington?

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

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

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

One day in Kamakura or Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the laid back coastal city of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kamakura, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Wellington 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Wellington 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 Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Wellington?

Kamakura, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Kamakura is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura and Wellington, 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

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

Both Wellington and Kamakura during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the summer, Kamakura is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamakura in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Wellington. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Kamakura is generally a little warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 18°C (64°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kamakura or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Wellington. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kamakura is much colder than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Kamakura often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Kamakura usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Kamakura is around the same temperature as Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamakura in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during spring. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Kamakura