Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Tokyo 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.
Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.
Kamakura is a laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
You'll generally find more things to do in Tokyo than Kamakura. Tokyo is bigger than Kamakura, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tokyo is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kamakura and Tokyo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Tokyo 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 Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.
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.
Tokyo 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, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.
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.
Tokyo is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.
The nightlife in Tokyo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Tokyo is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Kamakura is not a live music destination.
Tokyo is a world class music destination. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.
Kamakura is not a live music destination.
Kamakura is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo 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.
Tokyo is not a beach destination.
Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo 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.
Tokyo does not have a historic old town.
Kamakura is a popular place for hiking. However, Tokyo 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.
Tokyo is not a hiking destination.
Tokyo is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Tokyo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.
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.
Tokyo 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, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.
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.
With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Kamakura make for a high quality place to visit.
Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.
Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.
For backpackers, both Tokyo and Kamakura are notable places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.
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.
Tokyo is an unbeatable place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.
Kamakura is not popular with students.
Tokyo is an unbeatable 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.
Visitors in Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.
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.
Tokyo is an unbeatable 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.
It is easy to get around Tokyo on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.
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 Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tokyo or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tokyo than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.
Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Kamakura. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Kamakura. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo 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 Tokyo.
Tokyo 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.
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.
Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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.
Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, five days is sufficent for most. 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.
Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
You'll find food and shopping around the charming 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $158, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $105. 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 Tokyo and Kamakura in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.
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.
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Tokyo 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Kamakura, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Kamakura much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamakura would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamakura 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Kamakura.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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.
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.
Both Kamakura and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.
In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Tokyo gets 137 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 Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets less rain in July than Kamakura. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Kamakura. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Kamakura. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Tokyo is cooler than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Kamakura and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura during spring. Tokyo gets 161 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 Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Tokyo | Kamakura | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |