A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kanazawa vs. Kamakura for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Kanazawa or Kamakura?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Kamakura can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kanazawa and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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 Kanazawa or Kamakura?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kamakura than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Kamakura, Kamakura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamakura is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Kanazawa is known for its shopping. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha.

How is Kanazawa different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Kamakura.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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.


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

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Both Kanazawa and Kamakura offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kamakura. 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.

Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kamakura is great for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Kamakura for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kamakura is very good for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.


Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kanazawa and Kamakura are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Kanazawa is a good destination for visiting its old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

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.

Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kamakura is very good for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Kamakura?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Families?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Kanazawa or Kamakura.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

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.

Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kamakura is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Kamakura is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Kamakura are good places to visit.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

It's common for backpackers to 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.


Is Kanazawa or Kamakura Better for Students?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

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

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kanazawa and Kamakura both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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.

Is Kanazawa or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kanazawa
Kamakura

Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanazawa or Kamakura to fill your time. In our opinion, Kamakura has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kamakura than Kanazawa. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


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

One day in Kanazawa or Kamakura?

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The coastal city of Kamakura offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Kamakura?

Kanazawa 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Kanazawa or Kamakura?

Kanazawa 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.

Kamakura 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 Kanazawa or Kamakura?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. 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.

Kamakura is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Kanazawa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanazawa is $104, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $105. 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 Kanazawa and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanazawa $65
    Kamakura $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanazawa $130
    Kamakura $150
Compare Hotels in Kanazawa and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Kanazawa or Kamakura? 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 Kanazawa


Hotels in Kamakura


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices and Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanazawa $9.43
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Kanazawa Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $132
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $258
  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $322

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanazawa or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Kanazawa 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
    Kanazawa $33
    Kamakura $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kanazawa Home Cooking Class: $44
  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $59
  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $61
  • Geiko or Geisha Performance with Dinner: $270

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanazawa $9.86
    Kamakura $5.66

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Monochrome Plan: $13
  • Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Moon Plan: $13
  • Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Color Plan: $20
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $26
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
  • Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $58
  • [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour: $59
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main & Kenrokuen: $77
  • [One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour: $80
  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $81

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • 3 Hour Japanese Culture Tour in Kamakura Temples: $115
  • 3-Hours Walking Tour in Kamakura: $81
  • Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.60
  • Exciting Kamakura - One Day Tour from Tokyo: $260
  • Full Day Private Discovering Tour in Kamakura: $154
  • Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $41
  • Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $54
  • Kamakura Anime Train Photo Tour: $59
  • Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour: $182
  • Kamakura Custom Full Day Tour: $216
  • Kamakura Custom Half Day Tour: $135
  • Kamakura Full-Day Private Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanazawa $12
    Kamakura $13


When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Kamakura, 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Kamakura?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Kanazawa during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Kanazawa often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Kamakura. The autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the autumn, Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanazawa in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Kanazawa usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Kamakura. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In January, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 3°C (38°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Kamakura. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in January than Kamakura. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches.

Kanazawa is cooler than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kanazawa usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In April, Kanazawa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Kanazawa

Kanazawa Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)


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