A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Kamakura for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hong Kong or Kamakura?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan, glamorous, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Hong Kong as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hong Kong than Kamakura. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hong Kong is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its historical sights. Hong Kong is famous for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also well known for Victoria Peak. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Hong Kong different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hong Kong and Kamakura.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Hong Kong is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hong Kong and Kamakura.

Hong Kong has a large number of nightlife venues. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beach.

Hong Kong is considered a top beach destination. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Hong Kong does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hong Kong does not have a historic old town.

Is Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura More Beautiful?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Hong Kong as well. The city is home to the nightly Symphony of Lights, which illuminates the waterfront area with a light show.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for Families?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong 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, Hong Kong is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong and Kamakura are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hong Kong. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

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

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

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 Hong Kong or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Hong Kong
Kamakura

Hong Kong is an unbeatable 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.

It is easy to get around Hong Kong on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

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 Hong Kong Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hong Kong or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hong Kong than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hong Kong, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong.


  • How many days in Hong Kong or Kamakura? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hong Kong 3-7 
    Kamakura 1-2

One day in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Kamakura. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamakura has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Kamakura. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hong Kong, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient coastal city of Kamakura. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hong Kong has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Kamakura is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Hong Kong?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hong Kong is $185, 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 Hong Kong and Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hong Kong $75
    Kamakura $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hong Kong $150
    Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Hong Kong and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong


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: Hong Kong Hotel Prices and Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hong Kong $8.77
    Kamakura $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.83
  • Local Bus
    $2.83
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.26
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Hong Kong 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
    Hong Kong $57
    Kamakura $36
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $12

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.
    Hong Kong $95
    Kamakura $5.79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.72
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Tours and Activities in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Forest Therapy Guided Experience: $58
  • Lai Chi Wo Village and Hakka Culture Tour: $77
  • CUHK Campus Guided Walking Tour: $100
  • Canyoning Experience at Ping Nam: $122
  • Discover the Hidden Beauty of Sai Kung: A Kayaking Adventure: $350

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
    Hong Kong $21
    Kamakura $14


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


Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Kamakura?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.