Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Lijiang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lijiang or Kamakura?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Lijiang and Kamakura can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Lijiang or Kamakura?
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
-
Lijiang Prices
China PricesKamakura Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLijiang $55Kamakura $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Lijiang is $55, 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 Lijiang and Kamakura in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLijiang $16Kamakura $78
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLijiang $32Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Lijiang and Kamakura
Looking for a hotel in Lijiang 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lijiang $5.67Kamakura $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali : $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Lijiang or Kamakura?
Prices for flights to both Kamakura and Lijiang 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 dayLijiang $30Kamakura $36
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
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.Lijiang $20Kamakura $5.79
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
- Tiger Leaping Gorge with Lijiang Private Tour: $112
- Lijiang to Shangri-La HuXiang Road Private Scenic Tour: $116
- Lijiang：Yulong Snow Mountain Yakniuping Cableway Day Tour: $117
- Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge: $119
- Baisha, Naxi Village, Lashi Wetlands Private Tour: $120
- Ethnic-Style Travel Photoshoot Immersive Experience: $131
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
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 dayLijiang $7.98Kamakura $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lijiang and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lijiang Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lijiang or Kamakura?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Lijiang 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.
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.