A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Kamakura for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nikko 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 Nikko 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a peaceful, natural, and rural town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nikko and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Nikko and Kamakura are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Nikko is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha.

How is Nikko different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Nikko that are not to be missed. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nikko and Kamakura offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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.

Is Nikko or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Kamakura for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kamakura. 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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Nikko offers plenty to see. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Is Nikko or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

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 Nikko or Kamakura?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Kamakura both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nikko. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Kamakura offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Nikko or Kamakura Better for Families?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Kamakura is a family-friendly town. 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 Nikko or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Nikko is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nikko or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nikko than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

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

One day in Nikko or Kamakura?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Nikko or Kamakura?

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Nikko or Kamakura?

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kamakura. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Kamakura?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Kamakura?

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

Both Kamakura and Nikko during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nikko is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 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 Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Kamakura. Many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Nikko is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nikko in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Nikko gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nikko usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nikko or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Kamakura. Most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In January, Nikko is generally much colder than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 3°C (37°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In the winter, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Nikko gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

Nikko is cooler than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In April, Nikko usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Nikko