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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Kamakura. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a welcoming, friendly, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kamakura travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Kamakura, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura is known for its beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kuala Lumpur that are not to be missed. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Many visitors head to Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Kamakura.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Kamakura is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Kamakura offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura is a good destination for visiting its old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Kamakura offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Kamakura is a family-friendly 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Kamakura both superb destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Couples visit Kamakura frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in Kuala Lumpur can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kuala Lumpur than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

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

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kuala Lumpur 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Kuala Lumpur