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

Should you visit Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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.

Where Should I go: Xiamen or Kamakura?

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Xiamen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $104. 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 Xiamen and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $30
    Kamakura $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $60
    Kamakura $150
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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 Xiamen


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.
    Xiamen $5.98
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer from Railway Station to Xiamen City: $10
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
  • Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
  • Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer From Xiamen City to Quanzhou City: $79
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Xiamen 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
    Xiamen $26
    Kamakura $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Kamakura $5.59

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

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

  • Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
  • Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
  • Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
  • Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • 3 Hour Japanese Culture Tour in Kamakura Temples: $110
  • 3-Hours Walking Tour in Kamakura: $94
  • Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.32
  • Exciting Kamakura - One Day Tour from Tokyo: $249
  • From Tokyo: Kamakura Private Customize Tour by Luxury Van: $455
  • From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour: $57
  • Full Day Kamakura Private Tour With English Speaking Driver: $505
  • Full Day Private Discovering Tour in Kamakura: $153
  • Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $39
  • Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $57
  • Kamakura : Full Day with local guide. (Tickets included!): $113
  • Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Kamakura $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Kamakura?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Kamakura. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Xiamen is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Xiamen in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kamakura. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 25°C (77°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Xiamen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Xiamen is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Kamakura. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the spring, Xiamen is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Xiamen in April average around 20°C (69°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Xiamen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Xiamen

Xiamen Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)