A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kyoto vs. Kamakura for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Kyoto or Kamakura?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Kamakura can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kyoto than Kamakura. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kyoto is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Kyoto different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto that are not to be missed. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Kyoto and Kamakura.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Kamakura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto 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 Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kamakura. 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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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.

Is Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Kamakura?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Families?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can 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 Kyoto or Kamakura Better for Students?

Kyoto is a well-known place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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 Kyoto or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an unbeatable 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.

It is easy to get around Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kyoto or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kyoto than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Kamakura?

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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.

A weekend in Kyoto or Kamakura?

Kyoto 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Kyoto or Kamakura?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

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.

A week in Kyoto or Kamakura?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Kamakura?

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

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 Kyoto or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Kamakura. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Kamakura. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kyoto is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Kamakura during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Kyoto during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In April, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 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 Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kamakura. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Kyoto