A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nara vs. Kamakura for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Nara or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a traditional, tranquil, and natural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kamakura

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

Nara and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Kamakura?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamakura than Nara. While Nara is larger than Kamakura, Kamakura has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamakura is very popular for its food and beaches, while Nara attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kamakura is more touristy than Nara and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also well known for the Great Buddha. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Nara different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Nara and Kamakura.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kamakura. 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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nara or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Nara and Kamakura.

Nara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Kamakura has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Nara or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a popular place for the beache. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Nara or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the nice old towns in both Nara and Kamakura.

Many people head to Nara to see the old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

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.

Is Nara or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Nara is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Kamakura?

Nara 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.

Nara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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 Nara or Kamakura Better for Families?

Nara 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.

Nara is a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara or Kamakura Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Kamakura make for a high quality place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Kamakura are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Nara 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.

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Nara?

How long in Nara or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nara or Kamakura to fill your time. In our opinion, Nara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nara than Kamakura. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Nara or Kamakura?

The city of Nara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nara or Kamakura?

Nara 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Kamakura?

Nara 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Kamakura. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Kamakura?

Nara is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

The quaint coastal city of Kamakura offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Kamakura?

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

Both Kamakura and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In July, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 27°C (80°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Nara. In July, Nara usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nara or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Nara during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Nara often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 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 Nara. Nara usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Kamakura. Many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Nara. In the winter, Nara is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nara in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

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

In January, Nara usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nara or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nara as well as Kamakura. Many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In April, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 14°C (57°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Nara often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nara usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Nara