A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kamakura vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kamakura or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Gold Coast? 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kamakura travel costs.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Gold Coast travel costs.

Kamakura and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

You'll generally find more things to do in Gold Coast than Kamakura. Gold Coast is bigger than Kamakura, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Gold Coast is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamakura is more popular for its historical sights. Gold Coast is more touristy than Kamakura and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Kamakura different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

Both Kamakura and Gold Coast have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Many visitors head to Gold Coast specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Gold Coast can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Gold Coast has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Gold Coast is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Gold Coast is a great choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Is Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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 Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura has an old town worth visiting. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is a popular spot for hiking. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

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 Kamakura or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

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 Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast 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, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Kamakura is a family-friendly coastal 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 Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Kamakura or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gold Coast is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

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 Kamakura or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Kamakura and Gold Coast both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Gold Coast is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

Both Kamakura and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Kamakura. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

With museums and nightlife around the ancient 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.

The coastline of Gold Coast offers museums and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

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.

Gold Coast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

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.

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

A week in Kamakura or Gold Coast?

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.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast has to offer. This coastline offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura and Gold Coast, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kamakura is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura and Gold Coast, 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 Kamakura or Gold Coast?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kamakura has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kamakura or Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Gold Coast. The summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In July, Kamakura is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 25°C (77°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the summer, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin January. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kamakura usually gets less rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

Both Gold Coast and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Kamakura is cooler than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during autumn. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kamakura or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Kamakura during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kamakura is much colder than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kamakura in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin July. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun.

Kamakura usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Gold Coast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Gold Coast. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Kamakura is generally cooler than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 14°C (58°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during spring. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin October. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Kamakura