A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Kamakura for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Nanjing 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.

Where Should I go: Nanjing or Kamakura?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nanjing Prices
    China Prices
    Kamakura Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nanjing $118
    Kamakura $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $123. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nanjing and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Kamakura $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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 Nanjing


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: Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $49
    Kamakura $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura

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

  • Sushi Roll Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Community Dinner with Locals: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Kamakura $5.79

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
  • Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
  • Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • Ofuna Kannon Temple and Japanese Sweets Tour: $27
  • Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
  • Walking Tour through the City of Samurai: $44
  • Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $47
  • Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu & Komachi Street Tour: $51
  • Visit Daibutsu and shopping experience: $52
  • From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour: $54
  • Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $54
  • Night Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour: $57
  • Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $57
  • Kamakura:Largest Wooden Buddha, Temples, Cultural Experience: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Kamakura $14


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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Kamakura?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Kamakura. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In July, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Kamakura. Additionally, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Nanjing is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Nanjing. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In April, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Nanjing

Nanjing Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)