A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Kamakura for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a cultural, historical, and colorful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Kamakura travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kamakura than Yogyakarta. While Yogyakarta is larger than Kamakura, Kamakura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamakura is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Yogyakarta attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also well known for the Great Buddha.

How is Yogyakarta different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Kamakura.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Kamakura is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yogyakarta and Kamakura.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Kamakura is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its historic old town. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Kamakura.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kamakura. 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 Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Kamakura is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a popular place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is a good city to visit for students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kamakura is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta and Kamakura are nice when it comes to walkability.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yogyakarta or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yogyakarta than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the charming coastal city of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kamakura, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Yogyakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yogyakarta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamakura, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kamakura is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Kamakura?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.