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

Should you visit Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie 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.

Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Kamakura?

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Zhangjiajie?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Zhangjiajie Prices
    China Prices
    Kamakura Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Kamakura $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $123. 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 Zhangjiajie and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Kamakura $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie


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.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $36
    Kamakura $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kamakura.

  • Sushi Roll Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Community Dinner with Locals: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Kamakura $5.79

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.

  • Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
  • Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
  • Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
  • Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
  • Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
  • Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
  • One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
  • Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

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

  • A Meditative Calligraphy Experience: $74
  • Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
  • Calligraphy Experience in Kamakura: $88
  • From Daibutsu Hiking Trail Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
  • Kamakura 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience: $159
  • Kamakura Half Day Tour with a Local Expert Guide: $91
  • Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha: $107
  • Kamakura Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $135
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Anime Train & Fuji view: $128
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase: $202
  • Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka shrine: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Kamakura $14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Kamakura. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Kamakura. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Kamakura. Additionally, most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Zhangjiajie is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches.

In April, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)