A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yokohama vs. Kamakura for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yokohama or Kamakura?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Kamakura, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a bright, colorful, and under-rated city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kamakura

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

Yokohama and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Kamakura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Kamakura, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Yokohama is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Kamakura is known for its beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Kamakura is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Yokohama and Kamakura have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kamakura. 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 Yokohama or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yokohama and Kamakura.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

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.

Is Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Kamakura.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Many people head to Kamakura for the nightlife scene. 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 Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Kamakura has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Yokohama 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.

Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Is Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Kamakura has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Kamakura?

Yokohama is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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 Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Families?

Yokohama 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, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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.

Is Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Yokohama and Kamakura are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Kamakura is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Kamakura are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Kamakura is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Yokohama or Kamakura Better for Students?

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

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is a well-known 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Yokohama. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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.

Is Yokohama or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a well-known 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.

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yokohama or Kamakura to fill your time. In our opinion, Yokohama has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yokohama than Kamakura. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Kamakura?

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The coastal city of Kamakura offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Kamakura?

Yokohama 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yokohama, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Yokohama or Kamakura?

Yokohama 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 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.

A week in Yokohama or Kamakura?

Yokohama is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Kamakura, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama 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 Yokohama Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Kamakura?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama 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 Yokohama 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 Yokohama or Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Kamakura. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Kamakura. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yokohama in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kamakura. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In January, Yokohama is generally cooler than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 6°C (42°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Yokohama during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches.

Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Yokohama often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 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 Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kamakura. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Yokohama