A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagoya vs. Kamakura for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nagoya or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-the-radar, under-rated, and often overlooked city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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.

Nagoya and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Kamakura?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nagoya than Kamakura. Nagoya is bigger than Kamakura, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nagoya is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamakura is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Kamakura is more touristy than Nagoya and is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Nagoya is well known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. Also, Nagoya is famous for the Nagoya Castle.

How is Nagoya different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya 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, Nagoya is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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 Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagoya has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is Nagoya or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Kamakura?

Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

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 Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Families?

Nagoya is an unbeatable 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement 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 Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kamakura is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya and Kamakura are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagoya. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

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 Nagoya or Kamakura Better for Students?

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

Nagoya is a good city to visit for students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Kamakura?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Kamakura than Nagoya. 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya.

One day in Nagoya or Kamakura?

Nagoya is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kamakura. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagoya or Kamakura?

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

Kamakura is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagoya or Kamakura?

Nagoya is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagoya or Kamakura?

Nagoya is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Kamakura. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Kamakura?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Kamakura. The summer months attract visitors to Nagoya 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, Nagoya is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagoya in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagoya usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Nagoya 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 Nagoya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Nagoya gets 176 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 Nagoya. In October, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagoya or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Nagoya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagoya 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagoya. Nagoya is cooler than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Nagoya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Nagoya gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Nagoya usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Kamakura in the Spring?

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

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

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagoya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Nagoya