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

Should you visit Qingdao or Kamakura?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Kamakura, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Qingdao or Kamakura?

Qingdao

Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.

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 Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Qingdao?

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

  • Qingdao Prices
    China Prices
    Kamakura Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Qingdao $73
    Kamakura $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, 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 Qingdao and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $27
    Kamakura $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $54
    Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao 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 Qingdao


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.
    Qingdao $12
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
  • Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Qingdao 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
    Qingdao $35
    Kamakura $36

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.
    Qingdao $20
    Kamakura $5.79

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
  • Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
  • Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
  • German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
  • Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
  • Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
  • Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
  • Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
  • Private City Tour with Beer & a Delectable Lunch: $220
  • Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
  • Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • A Meditative Calligraphy Experience: $74
  • Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
  • Calligraphy Experience in Kamakura: $88
  • From Daibutsu Hiking Trail Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
  • Kamakura 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience: $159
  • Kamakura Half Day Tour with a Local Expert Guide: $91
  • Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha: $107
  • Kamakura Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $135
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Anime Train & Fuji view: $128
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase: $202
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka shrine: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Kamakura $14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Kamakura?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Kamakura. Additionally, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In the summer, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 17°C (62°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 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. In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Qingdao during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. Qingdao is much colder than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Kamakura. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches.

In the spring, Qingdao is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Qingdao in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Qingdao

Qingdao Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)