A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Kamakura for Beaches, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Kamakura. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a pristine, luxurious, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a ancient, quaint, and charming coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Yaeyama Islands and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Yaeyama Islands and Kamakura are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Yaeyama Islands is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. 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 Yaeyama Islands different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Kamakura is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

Kamakura offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Yaeyama Islands is a great choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Yaeyama Islands. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Kamakura is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Families?

Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Kamakura is a family-friendly archipelago. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kamakura. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Kamakura is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Kamakura has a few public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kamakura is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

Kamakura is somewhat walkable. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yaeyama Islands than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamakura than Yaeyama Islands 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 Kamakura.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

The beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The ancient destination of Kamakura offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The coastal city of Kamakura offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yaeyama Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamakura is a great place to explore. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 archipelago offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kamakura. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In July, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Yaeyama Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 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 Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Kamakura. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 18°C (64°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Kamakura during winter. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Kamakura. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kamakura. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Yaeyama Islands