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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kamakura? 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a welcoming, interesting, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagasaki and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Kamakura?

Both Kamakura and Nagasaki have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nagasaki is better known for its big city activities, while Kamakura is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Nagasaki is well known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Nagasaki different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Kamakura and Nagasaki.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Nagasaki and Kamakura both to be high quality destinations.

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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.

Is Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagasaki and Kamakura.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Kamakura is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

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

Kamakura has an old town worth visiting. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Kamakura?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Nagasaki and Kamakura.

Nagasaki has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. 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 Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagasaki or Kamakura.

Nagasaki is a family-friendly city. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kamakura. 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 Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kamakura is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Nagasaki or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki and Kamakura are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Nagasaki and Kamakura are notable when it comes to walkability.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

Kamakura is somewhat walkable. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagasaki Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagasaki or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kamakura than Nagasaki. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamakura than Nagasaki 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 Kamakura.

One day in Nagasaki or Kamakura?

The city of Nagasaki offers food and shopping. 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.

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 Nagasaki or Kamakura?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki or Kamakura?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Kamakura?

Nagasaki 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 Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Kamakura?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Kamakura. The summer months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the summer, Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagasaki in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Nagasaki often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 20°C (67°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Nagasaki gets 189 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 Nagasaki. In October, Nagasaki usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Nagasaki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Kamakura. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki usually gets more rain in January than Kamakura. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Kamakura. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagasaki in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Nagasaki