A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kamakura vs. Rockhampton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Kamakura or Rockhampton?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Rockhampton? 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 quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kamakura travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a charming, cultural, and natural town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Kamakura and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Kamakura or Rockhampton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kamakura than Rockhampton. Kamakura is bigger than Rockhampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kamakura is better known for its nightlife and historical sights, while Rockhampton is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Also, Kamakura is famous for the Great Buddha. Rockhampton is well known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

How is Kamakura different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Both Kamakura and Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.


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

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Kamakura is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Kamakura has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Kamakura and Rockhampton are notable choices.

Kamakura is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.


Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is a popular spot for hiking. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

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 Rockhampton?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Both Kamakura and Rockhampton are notable shopping destinations.

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rockhampton. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.


Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a well-known 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.

Rockhampton is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

With fun activities for couples, both Kamakura and Rockhampton make for a high quality place to visit.

Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Rockhampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Both Kamakura and Rockhampton are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. 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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.


Is Kamakura or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

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

Rockhampton is a good town to visit for students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Kamakura is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Kamakura or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Kamakura
Rockhampton

Kamakura and Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Kamakura or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rockhampton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rockhampton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamakura than Rockhampton 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 Kamakura.


  • How many days in Kamakura or Rockhampton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kamakura 1-2 
    Rockhampton 2-4

One day in Kamakura or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint coastal city of Kamakura. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Rockhampton offers food and shopping. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Kamakura. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Rockhampton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rockhampton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Rockhampton?

The charming coastal city of Kamakura offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Rockhampton 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 Kamakura or Rockhampton?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kamakura. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rockhampton is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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.


Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura is $123, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $208. 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 Kamakura and Rockhampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamakura $78
    Rockhampton $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamakura $156
    Rockhampton $204
Compare Hotels in Kamakura and Rockhampton

Looking for a hotel in Kamakura or Rockhampton? 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 Kamakura


Hotels in Rockhampton


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 and Rockhampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamakura $15
    Rockhampton $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Kamakura or Rockhampton?

Prices for flights to both Rockhampton and Kamakura 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
    Kamakura $36
    Rockhampton $86

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.
    Kamakura $5.79
    Rockhampton $40

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
    Kamakura $14
    Rockhampton $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kamakura and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton is more expensive. And not only is Kamakura much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kamakura is in Asia and Rockhampton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Kamakura Expensive? and Is Rockhampton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Rockhampton?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton and Kamakura during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In July, Kamakura is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 25°C (77°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rockhampton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets more rain in July than Rockhamptonin January. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F) 
    Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Rockhampton. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Kamakura is cooler than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin April. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Rockhampton. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kamakura is much colder than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kamakura in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.

Kamakura usually gets more rain in January than Rockhamptonin July. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F) 
    Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Kamakura is generally much colder than Rockhamptonin October. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 14°C (58°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin October. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Kamakura

Kamakura Rockhampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (80°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (78°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in) 23°C (74°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)