A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Matsue vs. Kamakura for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Matsue 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 Matsue 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.

Where Should I go: Matsue or Kamakura?

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

Kamakura

An old city center of medieval Japan, Kamakura sits today on the seaside just south of Tokyo. Due to its early beginnings, the city is dotted with Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. It has become a prominent resort town drawing visitors with its many historic landmarks as well as nearby beaches.

Which city is cheaper, Kamakura or Matsue?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $74, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $117. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Matsue and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $29
    Kamakura $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $58
    Kamakura $168
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Matsue 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 Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices and Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $22
    Kamakura $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Matsue 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
    Matsue $31
    Kamakura $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kamakura.

  • Kamakura Japanese Soba Noodles Cooking Class with a Master: $70
  • Cooking and Japanese Garden Party in an Authentic Traditional House: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.95
    Kamakura $6.31

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Customized Tour with Izumo Taisha Shrine: $88
  • Adachi Museum Private Customized Guided Tour from Matsue: $396
  • The best of Matsue walking tour: $496
  • Romantic Tour In Matsue: $496

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • Exciting Kamakura - Online Tour: $7.87
  • Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $25
  • Kamakura Kotoku-in and Hasedera Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $38
  • Kamakura Private Custom Tour Led by Local Students: $42
  • Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $59
  • Kimono Dress Experience in Kamakura with Door to Door Pick Up from hotel: $74
  • Kamakura Old Capital Walking Tour with the Great Buddha: $97
  • Private Tour - First time in Kamakura? Enjoy a Tour of All Must-sees!: $98
  • Daibutsu Hiking Trail Tour with Local Guide: $109
  • Samurai Photo Tours: A Fun Day Out Discovering Kamakura: $113
  • Private Tour - Introducing all the Famous Spots in Kamakura and Enoshima!: $113
  • Kamakura Zen Art, Zen Philosophy, and Zazen Experience at Zen Temple: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.74
    Kamakura $15


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


When is the best time to visit Matsue 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 Matsue or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Kamakura.

In July, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Temperatures in Matsue average around 25°C (78°F), and Kamakura stays around 25°C (77°F).

In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Matsue usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Matsue usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Matsue or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Kamakura.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the autumn. The temperature in Matsue is usually 17°C (62°F) in October, and Kamakura stays around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Matsue or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Matsue is much colder than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Matsue in January are around 4°C (39°F), and Kamakura is about 6°C (43°F).

Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Kamakura during winter. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Matsue 4°C (39°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Matsue during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Temperatures in Matsue average around 13°C (55°F), and Kamakura stays around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Matsue gets 194 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 Matsue. Matsue usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Matsue 13°C (55°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Matsue

Matsue Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)


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Matsue vs. Kamakura Travel Comparison

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