Where to Stay in Kanazawa

The "Little Kyoto" of the north. Historic geisha districts, Japan's best garden, and gold leaf everything. 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen.

Quick Picks

First time visitor: Korinbo

Walk to Kenrokuen and castle

Shinkansen in/out: Kanazawa Station

2.5 hours to Tokyo

Atmospheric stay: Higashi Chaya

Historic geisha district

Romantic trip: Kazuemachi

Riverside teahouse vibes

Kanazawa Areas

Compact city with excellent bus system. Most sights within 20 min of each other.

Korinbo / Central

City center, shopping, convenient

Best for: First-timers, shoppers, easy access

Pros: Most central location, Walk to Kenrokuen, Shopping and dining, Bus hub

Cons: Less traditional feel, Commercial area, Can be busy

Station: Korinbo bus stop (main hub)

Nearby: Kenrokuen Garden, 21st Century Museum, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market

Price Range

Budget:¥6,000-11,000

Mid-range:¥11,000-22,000

Luxury:¥28,000+

Kanazawa Station Area

Modern, transit hub

Best for: Shinkansen travelers, day trippers, business

Pros: Direct Shinkansen access, Modern hotels, Easy arrivals/departures, Shopping in station

Cons: 15 min bus to sights, Less atmosphere, Not walkable to old town

Station: Kanazawa Station (JR)

Nearby: Tsuzumi Gate, Forus mall, Rinto dining, Hyakubangai shopping

Price Range

Budget:¥5,000-10,000

Mid-range:¥10,000-20,000

Luxury:¥25,000+

Higashi Chaya District

Historic geisha district, atmospheric

Best for: Traditional Japan seekers, photographers, romantics

Pros: Most atmospheric area, Traditional buildings, Gold leaf shops, Quiet evenings

Cons: Limited hotel options, Far from station, Can feel isolated at night

Station: Hashiba-cho bus stop

Nearby: Higashi Chaya teahouses, Utatsuyama, Higashi Betsuin Temple, craft shops

Price Range

Budget:¥8,000-14,000

Mid-range:¥14,000-30,000

Luxury:¥35,000+

Kazuemachi / Asanogawa

Riverside, traditional, quiet

Best for: Couples, peaceful seekers, foodies

Pros: Beautiful riverside, Traditional atmosphere, Great restaurants, Walkable to Higashi

Cons: Few hotel options, Need bus for main sights, Very quiet at night

Station: Near Higashi Chaya

Nearby: Asanogawa River, Kazuemachi teahouses, local restaurants

Price Range

Budget:¥7,000-12,000

Mid-range:¥12,000-25,000

Luxury:¥30,000+

Kanazawa Tips

Kanazawa is walkable-ish

Main sights spread across 2-3km. Loop bus (¥200) connects everything, or rent a bike.

Called 'Little Kyoto'

Escaped WWII bombing, preserving Edo-era districts. Less crowded than Kyoto with similar charm.

Gold leaf capital

99% of Japan's gold leaf is made here. Try gold leaf ice cream, see the Gilded Room.

Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan

Omicho Market rivals Tsukiji. Try nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), crab in winter.

Plan Your Kanazawa Trip

Get personalized recommendations for your Kanazawa adventure.

Try Travelmaxing Free Back to Where to Stay