Which city is cheaper, Kamakura or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Kamakura for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Tokyo or Kamakura?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
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.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Kamakura?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $183Kamakura $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $183, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $117. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Kamakura in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $86Kamakura $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $172Kamakura $168
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Kamakura
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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Kamakura Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $22Kamakura $17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:
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Metro from Airport$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $25
- Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $51
- Tokyo Disneyland Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to Disneyland (One Way): $51
- Tokyo DisneySea Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to DisneySea (One Way): $51
- Private Airport Transfer: from Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $78
- Tokyo hotel/address to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $80
- Japan Private Airport Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport (HND): $97
- Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Narita International Airport: $101
- Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by Minivan: $108
- Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $114
- Private Transfer from Tokyo City Center to Tokyo Disneyland: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Kamakura?
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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayTokyo $43Kamakura $23
Typical Food prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.89
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.89
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Meal at Airport$7.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
- Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
- Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
- West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
- Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
- Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
- Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
- Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
- Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
- Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
- 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kamakura.
- Kamakura Japanese Soba Noodles Cooking Class with a Master: $70
- Cooking and Japanese Garden Party in an Authentic Traditional House: $107
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $80Kamakura $6.31
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Samurai Spots in Tokyo Virtual Tour: $8.26
- Tokyo Tower: Admission Ticket: $11
- 1-Hour River Cruise Asakusa to Odaiba: $11
- Japanese Snacks You Should Try: Online Experience by Local Guide: $12
- [Virtual Tour] Japan: the bathing and Sento experience: $12
- [Virtual Tour] Ghibli Spots in Japan: $12
- [Virtual Tour] Tokyo Highlights: $12
- Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku with a Local Expert: $14
- Virtual Tour to Discover Mount Fuji: $14
- Online Japanese Archery Experience: $15
- Tokyo Online Tour All in One, With 10+ Top Sights!: $15
- Thermae-Yu Hotspring in Shinjuku Entrance Ticket: $21
Tours and Activities in Kamakura
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:
- Exciting Kamakura - One Day Tour from Tokyo: $307
- Exciting Kamakura - Online Tour: $7.87
- Historic Temples, Shrines and Street Food Private Walking Tour: $212
- Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $59
- Japanese Sword Experience at a Temple in Kamakura: $1,522
- Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour: $208
- Kamakura Custom Full Day Tour: $216
- Kamakura Custom Half Day Tour: $124
- Kamakura Full-Day Private Tour: $191
- Kamakura Half Day Walking Tour with Kotokuin Great Buddha: $126
- Kamakura Kotoku-in and Hasedera Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide: $38
- Kamakura Old Capital Walking Tour with the Great Buddha: $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $37Kamakura $15
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.42
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.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Kamakura in the Summer?
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.
In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July are around 26°C (78°F), and Kamakura is 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Kamakura 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Kamakura in the Autumn?
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.
In October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Kamakura stays 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Kamakura 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Kamakura in the Winter?
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.
Tokyo is cooler than Kamakura in the winter. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 5°C (42°F) in January, and Kamakura stays 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Kamakura 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Kamakura in the Spring?
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.
In the spring, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April are around 14°C (58°F), and Kamakura is 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Kamakura 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kamakura and Tokyo
| 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) |
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