Choosing where to stay in Kanazawa is a fairly simple task. Kanazawa is not a huge city and its main tourist attractions are concentrated in a few key areas. This city is also very well-connected by its excellent public transport services so wherever you choose to stay you will have no trouble getting around. Your choice will therefore depend on your budget as well as your own personal preferences and interests.
If you need quick access to Kanazawa Station or are looking for budget accommodation, then you will probably choose to stay in the area around the station building. If you prefer to be within walking distance of the major attractions, then you might choose somewhere more central like the Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen area. But if shopping and dining is more important for you then the Korinbo and Katamachi area will be your first choice. All of these options and more are listed below with details of the kind of accommodation you can find in each area.
Kanazawa Station Area
The Kanazawa Station area has a good range of accommodation options which include some luxury tourist hotels, a large number of mid-range hotels, some cheap business hotels, and budget guest houses.
This is a great area for shopping and dining with the Hyakubangai commercial center inside the station building and the Forus shopping mall outside the station’s east exit. However, apart from the Ishikawa Ongakudo Music & Performance Hall there are not many tourist attractions in this area. The main reasons to stay in this area are for the convenient access to the station and for the large number of cheaper accommodation options.
Luxury
- Hyatt Centric Kanazawa is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Kanazawa, offering contemporary rooms and amenities, with easy access to major attractions.
- Hotel Nikko Kanazawa – This high-rise hotel offers elegant accommodations with panoramic city views, conveniently located near Kanazawa Station.
Mid-range
- ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa is a sophisticated hotel providing comfortable rooms and quality facilities, ideally situated for exploring Kanazawa’s cultural sites.
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi is a comfortable and conveniently located hotel, offering modern amenities and easy access to Kanazawa’s key attractions.
Budget
- CHISUN BUDGET Kanazawa Ekimae is a popular budget choice near Kanazawa Station, known for its good service.
- Toyoko Inn Kanazawa-eki Higashi-guchi is an affordable and functional hotel, located close to Kanazawa Station, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience.
Omicho Ichiba Area
This area located between the station area and the main tourist areas has a small number of tourist hotels, mid-range business hotels and budget guest houses. The main attraction in this area is the lively Omicho Ichiba food market, which is a great place to explore Kanazawa’s food and drink culture.
Close by Omichi Ichiba are the Kanazawa M’za department store and the Hakomachi shopping center which is a good spot to find souvenirs and local confectionery. Although this area doesn’t have many tourist attractions, it is within walking distance of both Kanazawa Station and major tourist attractions such as Kanazawa Castle and the Kenrokuen Garden.
Luxury
- Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi is a charming hotel offering a blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese aesthetics, located conveniently for exploring Kanazawa’s cultural sites.
- Lian Kanazawa is a boutique hotel with a focus on local art and design, providing a unique and intimate stay in the heart of Kanazawa.
- The Sanraku Hotel Kanazawa is a luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations and first-class service, ideally situated near Kanazawa’s main attractions.
Mid-range
- SOKI KANAZAWA is a contemporary hotel with sleek design, offering a comfortable and stylish base for exploring the city.
- Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa is a modern hotel blending comfort and style, located centrally for convenient access to Kanazawa’s attractions.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa is a stylish and comfortable hotel, offering panoramic views of Kanazawa, situated close to key tourist destinations.
Budget
- UNIZO INN Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Dori is a practical and modern hotel, offering a comfortable stay in a convenient location for business and leisure travelers.
- Hotel Pacific Kanazawa is a cozy and affordable hotel, ideally situated for travelers looking to explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks.
Kanazawa Castle & Kenrokuen Area
This is one of the most popular areas to stay in Kanazawa as it includes many of the city’s major attractions. Not only are Kanazawa Castle and the Kenrokuen Garden located here, but this is also the city’s museum district.
Here you can find the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the D. T. Suzuki Museum, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Kanazawa Noh Museum, Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theatre, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History and the Kaga-Honda Museum. The accommodation in this area mostly consists of high-end tourist hotels, boutique hotels and traditional ryokan inns.
Luxury
- Korinkyo Kanazawa is a tranquil and traditional ryokan offering an authentic Japanese stay with elegant rooms and local cuisine, nestled in a serene area of Kanazawa.
- Tokyu Stay Kanazawa is a modern hotel with a focus on comfort and convenience, offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for both short and long stays in Kanazawa.
Mid-range
- UAN Kanazawa is a stylish hotel that combines traditional Japanese elements with modern design, providing a cozy and unique experience in the heart of the city.
- KOKO HOTEL Premier Kanazawa Korinbo is a contemporary and upscale hotel located in the vibrant Korinbo district, offering chic accommodations and easy access to shopping and cultural sites.
- First Hotel Kanazawa is a budget-friendly hotel offering basic amenities and a convenient location, ideal for travelers seeking affordable and functional accommodations.
Budget
- LINNAS Kanazawa is a budget-friendly hotel that provides air-conditioned rooms and is appreciated for its vibe and philosophy.
- Toyoko INN Kanazawa Kenrokuen Korinbo is an economical hotel choice known for its consistent quality and prime location near Kenrokuen Garden, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
Korinbo and Katamachi Area
This is another popular area located to the west of Kanazawa Castle Park where you can find a mixture of high-end tourist hotels, mid-range business hotels and some traditional ryokan inns. This is the best area in Kanazawa for shopping and dining as it includes the Korinbo and Katamachi commercial districts, Tatemachi shopping street, and the gourmet dining district of Kakinokibatake.
Sightseeing attractions in this area include Oyama Jinja Shrine and the historic Nagamachi Samurai District where you can visit the Nomura Samurai House and Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall.
Luxury
- Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel is a prestigious and elegant hotel offering a blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern luxury, conveniently located in the heart of Kanazawa.
Mid-range
- OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi by Hoshino Resorts is a trendy and vibrant hotel, part of the Hoshino Resorts chain, offering a unique local experience with a focus on exploring the city’s culture and history.
- APA Hotel Kanazawa Katamachi is a functional and comfortable hotel, providing compact yet well-equipped rooms, situated in the lively Katamachi district, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Budget
- Henn na Hotel Kanazawa Korinbo is a unique hotel with dinosaur-themed decor, providing large rooms and a convenient location for shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- HOTEL MYSTAYS Kanazawa Katamachi is a contemporary hotel with a focus on comfort and value, offering modern amenities and a convenient location for exploring Kanazawa’s attractions.
Higashi Chaya-gai Area
This area includes the beautifully preserved geisha districts Higashi Chaya-gai and Kazuemachi Chaya. Here you can find a small number of tourist hotels, traditional ryokan inns and guest houses.
Attractions in this part of town include Ochaya Shima Geisha House, Kaikaro Geisha Teahouse, Ohi Pottery Museum, Kurando Terashima’s House and Yanagi Sori Design Memorial. Even if you don’t stay at the luxurious Kinjohro Ryokan, it’s a good idea to book a meal there as it is one of the best culinary experiences you can have in this city.
Luxury
- Kinjohro Ryokan is an exclusive and luxurious ryokan in Kanazawa, Kinjohro offers an authentic Japanese experience with exquisite traditional cuisine, elegant rooms, and serene garden views.
- UTAIMACHI Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn offering a warm, homely atmosphere with personalized service, located in a quiet area of Kanazawa, providing an authentic cultural experience.
Budget
- Kanazawa Guesthouse Stella is a cozy and friendly guesthouse, ideal for budget travelers, offering comfortable accommodations with a communal atmosphere, situated in a convenient location for exploring the city.
Visiting Kyoto or Osaka?
Are you planning to visit Kyoto or Osaka as well? We compiled comprehensive guides on where to stay in both cities. Please visit Where to Stay in Osaka and Where to Stay in Kyoto.
Article by Michael Lambe. Photos by gandhi/pixta (1,2), kazukiatuko/pixta (3), yoshihiro52/pixta (4,5). All rights reserved.