Two-and-a-half hours by train from Tokyo, Kanazawa is a fascinating cultural hotspot on Japan's western coast. One of the best-preserved Edo-era cities in the country, it’s also the much-lauded ‘City of Handicrafts’. Art aficionados and history buffs will find Kanazawa a rich and rewarding destination, unspoilt by tourism and brimming with authentic charm. Accommodation options reflect this energy, with intimate ryokans and simple family-run guesthouses offering a taste of classic Japanese hospitality. Book a room at one of the best places to stay in Kanazawa and head out to explore!
Kanazawa’s compact centre makes it easy to discover on foot or by bicycle. Stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District to admire streets lined with earthen-walled houses and to see the Nomura Samurai House. Evening ambles through one of the three teahouse — ‘chaya’ — districts, where geishas still play traditional instruments, also come highly recommended. Other highlights include guided tours of the magnificent Kanazawa Castle and adjoining Kenrokuen Garden, as well as the Myoriji Temple.
When it comes to museums, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the D.T. Suzuki Museum and the Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts & Crafts are excellent. The Japanese National Crafts Museum was relocated to the city in 2020, in recognition of its importance in the world of handicrafts. This is a great point of connection for workshops and experiences across the city.
Foodies should make a beeline for Omicho Market, where the city’s freshest seafood can be found. The market’s restaurants are superb; as are the eateries at the best places to stay in Kanazawa.
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Kanazawa (Kanazawa)
The classic Japanese-style Guest House Pongyi is located in downtown Kanazawa. Offering both dormitories and traditional Japanese accommodation - think tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding - this is a cosy, great value city stay in a superb spot! Shared kitchen facilities are a bonus.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A comfortable hotel in the centre of town. Minimalist rooms with neutral decor in both western and Japanese styles, plus there's a sleek indoor public bath. A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant and there's a relaxing lounge for complimentary tea and snacks. Superb value too.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Stylish hotel in Tatemachi. Spacious and minimalist rooms, some with floor to ceiling windows maximising the wonderful city views. Hip Music Bar, home to a variety of live music events and a collection of vinyl records, with DJs playing most evenings. A cool city stay at a reasonable price.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A sleek hotel in the heart of Kanazawa. Bold rooms in rich tones contrast with the warm wood of the communal areas creating a cool, contemporary feel. Guests can enjoy the large bath with its open roof, plus there's a relaxed cafe for all-day dining. Perfect for a chic, reasonably-priced city stay.
Kanazawa
A great value stay in the heart of the city. Rooms are spacious and all done in a contemporary style; some western, others more Japanese in feel. Book a higher floor for a more luxurious finish and stunning city views. Two restaurants and a bar complete the picture. Good for business or leisure.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)
A smart modern hotel in the centre of Kanazawa. Western style rooms and suites, complete with chic furnishings offer sophisticated city living and huge windows for expansive views. FIVE Grill & Lounge provides globally inspired dishes and the 14th floor roof terrace bar is the place for sundowners.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa )
A modern hotel close to Kanazawa castle. Rooms are stylish with pops of colour and feature walls. There's a lounge serving coffee and cocktails, a buffet for late night snacks and a gallery showcasing books and art. A grand communal bath with a fab mural completes the picture. A chic city stay.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Good value and stylish industrial-look pad with clean lines and Western as well as Japanese-style bedrooms. Grey and blond wood palette with raised tatami floors set the tone, with bunk rooms for families. Concrete chic public areas include a tea room, a roof terrace for music and yoga, and a cafe.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A small hotel whose ethos is all about a good night's sleep; rooms feature all-natural bedding and hand picked furnishings, with neutral decor and soft lighting for a calm vibe. Throughout you'll find an eclectic range of art, in both modern and classic style. A no-fuss reasonably-priced city stay.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A modern stay close to Kanazawa Castle. Rooms are warm and minimalist with neutral tones and soft lighting; some with private terrace. There's a communal lounge for relaxing, offering complimentary hoji tea, coffee and soft drinks, plus soba noodles for supper. A calm vibe yet near the city buzz.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A striking hotel in downtown Kanazawa — the tallest in the Hokuriku area. Spacious, western style rooms boast warm, neutral tones, some with amazing panoramic views. There are several restaurants serving European and Japanese cuisine plus an elegant lounge bar. A sleek choice for local exploring.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Art gallery turned boutique hotel/perfume distillery. Gorgeous rooms with a slight industrial chic vibe feature chunky exposed beams, freestanding tubs and comfy sofas, plus there's a rooftop sauna and two cypress baths with wonderful city views. A seriously hip stay in the heart of the city.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A modern design hotel in downtown Kanazawa where contemporary decor sits alongside traditional Kutani ware, Kaga washi paper and more. Stylish rooms feature warm wood, handmade furniture and bright Japanese artwork. Free coffee, tea and juice are available in the lounge. A sense of calm in the city.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A slick hotel in the centre of town. Elegant rooms are decorated in calming neutral tones with pretty artwork, some with courtyard views and private balconies. There's a restaurant serving traditional cuisine plus a relaxing lobby lounge bar showcasing live piano music. A chic city stay.
Kanazawa (Kanazawa-shi)
The 200-year old Motoyu Ishiya Ryokan features classic architecture and traditional accommodation (tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding). Boasting a splendid mountainous location, this charming spot also offers indoor and outdoor baths with glorious views. An utterly rejuvenating stay!
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A small boutique hotel in the historic centre of town, well situated for exploring the local heritage. Spacious, minimalist rooms are decorated in neutral tones, each with a kitchen and elegant bathroom. The decor showcases items from local galleries so there's a stylish arty vibe. A chic stay.
Kanazawa (Kanazawa-shi)
Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel enjoys a superbly central location, just a stone's throw from many of the city's sights. The property boasts Western-style accommodation whilst serving up traditional multi-course meals. Unwind in the hot-spring bath after a long day sightseeing! A splendid city stay.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A renovated hotel close to downtown Kanazawa. Positioned above an Italian restaurant within a machiya (traditional townhouse), guests get the accommodation (two rooms) to themselves. Authentic details are blended seamlessly with modern comforts, plus there's a tranquil inner garden. A hidden oasis.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A small hotel in the historic Higashi Chaya District. Four spacious, minimalist rooms (a choice of Japanese or Western) are decorated with warm tones and wood accents and furnishings, some with courtyard garden views. Plus there's a restaurant serving local seasonal dishes. An intimate hideaway.
Kanazawa (Kanazawa)
Located in downtown Kanazawa, the upscale Chaya Ryokan offers traditional Japanese accommodation-think tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding. Unwind in the sauna and enjoy splendid kaiseki cuisine at the restaurant. A chic stay in a great spot!
