Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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: Hangzhou or Kamakura?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesKamakura Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Kamakura $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, 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 Hangzhou and Kamakura in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Kamakura $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Kamakura
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Kamakura $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hangzhou Train Station to Hangzhou Downtown Hotel: $39
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Kamakura?
Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Hangzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $31Kamakura $36
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Kamakura $5.79
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Tours and Activities in Kamakura
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:
- Ofuna Kannon Temple and Japanese Sweets Tour: $27
- Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
- Walking Tour through the City of Samurai: $44
- Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $47
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu & Komachi Street Tour: $51
- Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
- Visit Daibutsu and shopping experience: $52
- Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $54
- Night Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour: $57
- Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $57
- Kamakura:Largest Wooden Buddha, Temples, Cultural Experience: $67
- Kamakura and Historic Sites Guided Tour: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Kamakura $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Kamakura?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Kamakura in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Kamakura. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Kamakura 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kamakura in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Kamakura. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Kamakura 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kamakura in the Winter?
Both Kamakura and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Kamakura 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kamakura in the Spring?
Both Kamakura and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches.
In April, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Kamakura 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kamakura and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Kamakura | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.