Kanazawa is a modern city with a rich history and cultural heritage, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary attractions. Located on the west coast of Japan, Kanazawa is one of the most underrated cities in the country, boasting a stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and a well-preserved Edo-era (1603-1867) district. The city is easily accessible by train, with the main railway station serving as a hub for visitors.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
- ✨ 5-Star: Kinjohro
- 🏨 4-Star: Kanazawa Seiren Le Lotus Bleu
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Kulton Moct Kenroku
- 💸 Cheap: KIKI HOTEL
🏢 Apartament: Hashibaya TABI-NE - 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Eki Nishiguchi
- 🏩 For Couples: Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku
When deciding where to stay in Kanazawa, there are several factors to consider. For those who want to be close to the action, staying near Kanazawa Station is ideal. This area offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options like the Kulton Moct Kenroku to more luxurious choices like the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, which has a great location next to the station. Alternatively, staying in central Kanazawa, near the magnificent Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, provides easy access to these iconic attractions. The Korinbo and Katamachi areas are also popular, with a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops to explore. Whether you prefer a stylish hotel located in the heart of the city or a more secluded spot to relax, Kanazawa has something for everyone.
The Best Places to Stay in Kanazawa: Quick Guide
- 🏛️ For History Enthusiasts: Kenrokumachi & Higashi Geisha
- 👪 For Families: Kanazawa Station
- 🎭 For Visitors Interested in Cultural Sites: Korinbo
- 💸 For Budget Travelers: Omicho Ochiba
- 🌃 For Nightlife: Katamachi Area
- 🎭 For Culture Lovers: Nagamachi
1. Kenrokumachi & Higashi Geisha: Heart of Kanazawa’s Cultural and Historical District ❤️
🏯 Historical Significance: The Kenrokumachi & Higashi Geisha Area is steeped in history, with well-preserved Edo-era architecture and traditional Japanese culture. This area is home to Kanazawa’s largest geisha district, Higashi Chaya, which is a must-visit for its stunning traditional buildings and lively atmosphere.
🌳 Natural Beauty: The area is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, with the Asano River running through it and the nearby Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three famous gardens.
🎨 Cultural Experiences: Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture by attending a geisha performance, visiting the Higashi Chaya District, or exploring the many shops and cafes that line the streets.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Higashi Chaya District: Explore the largest geisha district in Kanazawa, with its stunning traditional buildings and lively atmosphere.
- Kenrokuen Garden: Visit one of Japan’s three famous gardens, which offers a serene and beautiful escape from the city.
- Kanazawa Castle: Explore the historic castle, which dates back to the Edo period.
🍣 The Best Places to Eat
- Iki-iki Tei: Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a beautiful setting.
- Kenrokutei: Savor local specialties at this highly-rated restaurant.
- Jiyuken: Treat yourself to delicious food and drinks at this popular eatery.
🚶♂️ Walkable: The area is easily accessible on foot, with many attractions within walking distance. Public transportation options are also available, including buses and taxis.
Where to Stay in Kenrokumachi & Higashi Geisha
Expensive Hotels
- THE HOTEL SANRAKU: Located in the heart of Kanazawa, THE HOTEL SANRAKU offers luxury accommodations and is within walking distance to major attractions.
- Kinjohro: Kinjohro is a 5-star ryokan known for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine and traditional Japanese experience.
- Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku: Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku blends modern and traditional styles, offering a sophisticated and nostalgic ambiance.
Mid-Range Hotels
- UAN kanazawa: UAN kanazawa provides comfortable accommodations with convenient access to local attractions and a unique rain-themed concept.
- Kanazawa Seiren Le Lotus Bleu: Kanazawa Seiren Le Lotus Bleu offers stylish rooms near Kanazawa Castle Park, perfect for exploring historical and cultural sights.
- Zaimoku-an: Zaimoku-an provides a unique stay with traditional Japanese architecture and modern comforts in a quiet area.
Budget Hotels
- hiyohiyo: hiyohiyo is a budget-friendly hotel offering basic amenities and comfortable accommodations.
- Kulton Moct Kenroku: Kulton Moct Kenroku is a budget hotel near Kenrokuen Garden, providing simple yet comfortable rooms.
- Hashibaya TABI-NE: Hashibaya TABI-NE offers affordable accommodations with a traditional Japanese touch and convenient
2. Kanazawa Station: Convenient and Bustling Hub 💥
🚉 Transportation Hub: Kanazawa Station is the main transportation hub of the city, making it incredibly convenient for travelers. The station connects to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, providing easy access to Tokyo and other major cities.
🛍️ Shopping and Dining: The station itself houses several shopping malls, such as Anto, Rinto, and Kutsurogikan, offering a variety of shops and dining options. This makes it a great place to explore local and international cuisine without straying far.
🏙️ Modern Architecture: The station is renowned for its impressive modern architecture, including the iconic Tsuzumi-mon Gate and the Motenashi Dome. These structures blend traditional Japanese design with contemporary elements, creating a visually stunning entrance to the city.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Tsuzumi-mon Gate: This iconic gate at the east entrance of the station is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese drum.
- Motenashi Dome: A beautiful glass dome that provides shelter and adds a modern touch to the station.
- Kanazawa Hyakubangai Shopping Center: A large shopping complex directly connected to the station, perfect for shopping and dining.
🍣 The Best Places to Eat
- Morimorizushi: A popular sushi restaurant located in the Forus department store, known for its fresh seafood.
- Go Go Curry: A must-visit for Japanese curry lovers, offering a variety of curry dishes.
- Kuroyuri: Located in the Anto shopping mall, this restaurant is famous for its Kanazawa Oden, a traditional hotpot dish.
🚌 Public Transportation: The area around Kanazawa Station is well-served by buses and taxis, making it easy to get around the city. The station also offers direct access to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for travel to other cities.
Where to Stay in Kanazawa Station Area
Expensive Hotels
- Hyatt Centric Kanazawa: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa offers upscale accommodations with a 24/7 fitness center and a rooftop bar near Kanazawa station.
- Hotel Nikko Kanazawa: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa is a luxurious hotel with 30 floors, offering stunning views of the traditional city from its guest rooms above the 17th floor.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Eki Nishiguchi: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Eki Nishiguchi features a modern atmosphere inspired by Kanazawa Castle, promising a relaxing stay.
- Hotel Kanazawa: Hotel Kanazawa offers spacious rooms and executive suites, conveniently located a minute’s walk from JR Kanazawa Station.
- Via Inn Kanazawa: Via Inn Kanazawa provides spacious rooms suitable for families and business travelers, located near Kanazawa Station.
Budget Hotels
- Guest House Kadoyasu: Guest House Kadoyasu offers good value accommodations for long stays, located conveniently for exploring Kanazawa.
- Guesthouse Namaste: Guesthouse Namaste is a convenient place for Kanazawa sightseeing, located just a 6-minute walk from the station’s east exit.
- Guesthouse Nagonde: Guesthouse Nagonde provides affordable and comfortable accommodations, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Korinbo Area: A Mix of Modern Amenities and Traditional Charm ✨
🛍️ Shopping Paradise: Korinbo is the most important shopping area in the Hokuriku region, featuring a variety of shopping arcades, department stores, and boutiques. It’s perfect for those who love to shop and explore local and international brands.
🍽️ Dining and Nightlife: The area is packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a wide range of dining options from traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes. The vibrant nightlife makes it an exciting place to stay for evening entertainment.
🏙️ Modern and Dynamic: Korinbo is a modern and dynamic neighborhood, blending contemporary architecture with traditional elements. It’s a bustling area that offers a lively atmosphere and a glimpse into the modern side of Kanazawa.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Oyama Jinja Shrine: A historic shrine known for its unique gate that combines Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles.
- Nagamachi Samurai District: Explore the preserved samurai houses and learn about the history of the samurai in Kanazawa.
- Tokyu Square Korinbo: A major shopping mall with a variety of stores, cafes, and a cinema.
🍣 The Best Places to Eat
- Ippudo: Famous for its mouth-watering Kyushu ramen and crispy gyoza.
- Sushi Ippei: A friendly and homey sushi restaurant offering delicious and fresh sushi.
- The Godburger: Known for its juicy hamburgers, considered some of the best in Kanazawa.
🚌 Well-Connected: The Korinbo area is well-served by buses, making it easy to get around the city. The Kanazawa Loop Bus has several stops in the area, providing convenient access to major attractions.
Where to Stay in Korinbo Area
Expensive Hotels
- Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with modern amenities and is located in the heart of the city.
- Kanazawa New Grand Hotel Prestige: Kanazawa New Grand Hotel Prestige features spacious rooms and a bar with city views, located near Kanazawa Castle.
- Tokyu Stay Kanazawa: Tokyu Stay Kanazawa provides spacious rooms with modern amenities, including a washing machine, and is conveniently located near Kanazawa Castle.
- Korinkyo: Korinkyo offers stylish accommodations with a sauna and is located near popular attractions like Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Mid-Range Hotels
- KOKO HOTEL Premier Kanazawa Korinbo: KOKO HOTEL Premier Kanazawa Korinbo provides comfortable mid-range accommodations with modern amenities and is centrally located.
- HOTEL APT SESELA - Vacation STAY 12877: HOTEL APT SESELA offers spacious and modern apartments, ideal for extended stays and located near Kanazawa’s main attractions.
- Henn na Hotel Kanazawa Korimbo: Henn na Hotel Kanazawa Korimbo features robot staff and modern facilities, providing a unique and futuristic stay experience.
Budget Hotels
- KIKI HOTEL: KIKI HOTEL offers budget-friendly accommodations with basic amenities and a convenient location for exploring Kanazawa.
4. Omicho Ochiba: Kanazawa’s Kitchen 🍴
🍣 Culinary Hub: Omicho Ichiba, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” is a bustling market that has been a cornerstone of Kanazawa’s food culture for over 300 years. With around 200 shops and stalls, it offers an incredible variety of fresh seafood, produce, and local delicacies.
🎨 Vibrant Atmosphere: The market is a lively and colorful network of covered streets, making it a sensory delight for visitors. The energetic ambiance, especially during the morning and noon hours, adds to the charm of exploring this historic market.
🚶♂️ Convenient Location: Located between Kanazawa Station and the city center, Omicho Ichiba is easily accessible by foot or a short bus ride. Its central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring other major attractions in Kanazawa.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Omicho Market: The heart of the area, offering a wide range of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and local specialties.
- Kanazawa M’za Department Store: A nearby shopping center perfect for finding souvenirs and local confectionery.
- Hakomachi Shopping Center: Another great spot for shopping, located close to the market.
🍣 The Best Places to Eat
- Iki-iki Tei: A popular sushi restaurant within the market, known for its fresh and delicious seafood bowls.
- Mori Mori Sushi: A conveyor belt sushi restaurant offering a variety of Kanazawa’s best seafood.
- Kuroyuri: Famous for its Kanazawa Oden, a traditional hotpot dish, located within the market.
🚶♂️ Walkability: The area is highly walkable, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Where to Stay in Omicho Ichiba Area
Expensive Hotels
- THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA: Located in the heart of Kanazawa, THE HOTEL SANRAKU offers luxury accommodations and is within walking distance to major attractions.
- 凜庵 LIAN_KANAZAWA: 凜庵 LIAN_KANAZAWA provides comfortable accommodations with easy access to Kanazawa Station and local attractions.
Mid-Range Hotels
- the square hotel KANAZAWA: the square hotel KANAZAWA offers modern accommodations with a unique design inspired by Kanazawa’s historical and cultural heritage.
- Vacation Rent: Vacation Rent provides convenient and comfortable accommodations for travelers looking to explore Kanazawa.
- SOKI Kanazawa: SOKI Kanazawa offers stylish accommodations with a focus on traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort.
Budget Hotels
- Kamin Kanazawa: Kamin Kanazawa provides budget-friendly accommodations with basic amenities and a convenient location.
- Musashi Sakaean: Musashi Sakaean offers affordable accommodations with a traditional Japanese touch, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- VACATION RENT Kanazawa: VACATION RENT Kanazawa provides budget accommodations with modern amenities and a convenient location for exploring the city.
5. Katamachi Area: Vibrant and Lively District 🎇
🍽️ Gourmet Destination: Katamachi is renowned as the gourmet town of Hokuriku, offering a wide variety of dining options from Michelin-starred restaurants to local B-class gourmet spots. The area is lined with numerous eateries where you can enjoy the local flavors and discover hidden gems popular among locals.
🌃 Vibrant Nightlife: The area is packed with bars, izakayas, and small restaurants, making it a lively spot for nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink or a late-night feast, Katamachi has plenty to offer.
🏙️ Central Location: Situated just south of the Korinbo area and along the Sai River, Katamachi is conveniently located near many of Kanazawa’s major attractions. It’s a perfect base for exploring the city, with easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural sites.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Teramachi Temple Area: Explore the many temples in this historic district, including the famous Myoryuji (Ninja Temple) with its hidden tunnels and secret rooms.
- Saigawa Bridge: A picturesque turquoise bridge that crosses the Sai River, popular for photos and leisurely strolls.
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: A short walk from Katamachi, this museum offers a diverse range of modern art exhibitions.
🍣 The Best Places to Eat
- Yakiniku House Daishogun: Enjoy delicious Japanese BBQ with a wide selection of meats and sake.
- Zenkai Kosho: A Chinese restaurant known for its creative gyoza dumplings and extensive menu.
- Teppanyaki Atsu-Atsu: Savor expertly grilled dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a special night out.
🚌 Getting arround: Katamachi is well-served by buses, with several stops that connect to other parts of Kanazawa. The area is about a 10-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station.
Where to Stay in Katamachi Area
Expensive Hotels
- ひがし茶屋街らしく金沢: Located near Higashi Chaya-gai, this hotel offers a traditional Japanese experience with modern amenities.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Higashiyama Sho: Higashiyama Sho provides mid-range accommodations with a blend of traditional and modern design, perfect for exploring Kanazawa.
Budget Hotels
- 古都とき Kototoki: 古都とき Kototoki offers budget-friendly accommodations in a historic Kanazawa townhouse, ideal for an authentic local experience.
6. Nagamachi Area: Historic Samurai ⛩️
🏯 Historical Significance: The Nagamachi Samurai District is a beautifully preserved area that offers a glimpse into the lives of the samurai during the Edo period. The district’s narrow lanes, earthen walls, and restored samurai houses provide a unique and immersive historical experience.
🌳 Authentic Atmosphere: Walking through Nagamachi feels like stepping back in time. The area has retained its Edo-period charm, with traditional architecture, water canals, and well-maintained gardens that reflect the lifestyle of the samurai.
🎨 Cultural Heritage: The district is home to several museums and restored residences that showcase samurai culture and artifacts. Visitors can explore the Nomura Samurai House, the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, and other historical sites that offer insights into Kanazawa’s rich cultural heritage.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Nomura Samurai House: A beautifully restored samurai residence featuring family heirlooms, antiques, and a stunning inner garden.
- Kanazawa Shinise Kinenkan Museum: A museum housed in a historical wooden townhouse, showcasing the lives of the merchant class and local handicrafts.
- Kyu-Kaga Hanshi Takada Family House: A restored row-house with a charming stroll garden, offering a glimpse into the daily life of middle-ranking samurai.
🍣 The Best Places to Eat
- Otomezushi: A hidden gem offering superb sushi, known for its high-quality fish and traditional atmosphere.
- Taro: A sweet shop offering creative takes on traditional Japanese sweets, with a small tea room overlooking a lovely garden.
- Shiki no Table: A restaurant serving Kanazawa’s local cuisine, such as “jibuni” (duck or chicken stew).
🚌 Well-connected: Nagamachi is a five-minute walk south of the Korinbo bus stop. Frequent buses take about ten minutes to reach Korinbo from Kanazawa Station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Where to Stay in Nagamachi Area
Expensive Hotels
- Higashiyama Kageroi: Higashiyama Kageroi offers luxurious accommodations with traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comforts.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Kanazawa Bettei Yuan: Kanazawa Bettei Yuan provides mid-range accommodations with a serene atmosphere and easy access to local attractions.
- Higashiyama Tomarigi: Higashiyama Tomarigi offers comfortable mid-range accommodations with a blend of traditional and modern design.
Budget Hotels
- お宿 朱: お宿 朱 provides budget-friendly accommodations with a traditional Japanese touch, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Tsukuyomi Higashiyama: Tsukuyomi Higashiyama offers affordable accommodations with modern amenities and a convenient location for exploring Kanazawa.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Kanazawa for first-time visitors?
Kenrokumachi is a great area for first-time visitors, as it offers easy access to major attractions like Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
How many days do you need for sightseeing in Kanazawa?
You will need at least two nights and three days to explore Kanazawa’s major attractions, such as Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and the World Heritage sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, as well as the nature-rich Noto area.
How do I get around Kanazawa from my accommodation?
Kanazawa has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trains. Many accommodations are also within walking distance of major attractions.
What are the best areas to stay in Kanazawa for shopping and dining?
Korinbo and Katamachi are great areas for shopping and dining, offering a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
Are service animals allowed in hotels in Kanazawa?
Yes, service animals are allowed in many hotels, but it is recommended to contact the hotel before your arrival to confirm their policy.
