Where to Stay in Kanazawa: Best Areas, Hotels, and Ryokans

If you’re planning a trip to Kanazawa, know that this compact and dense city offers so much to do, and picking the right place to stay will make a big difference. After my own personal trip there, the best areas to stay are the Downtown Omicho Market area for a central first-time trip, Katamachi for a local neighborhood, and Higashi Chaya for traditional stays. My curated guide breaks down Kanazawa’s main areas and where to stay within each.

Kanazawa is often overlooked by travelers in favor of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I didn’t visit until my fourth trip to Japan, to be fair, and I regret not coming sooner. Located on the western side of the island of Honshu, it’s easily accessible by Shinkansen train from Tokyo. If you make the effort, you will be rewarded with a fully restored castle ground, picturesque machiya-lined streets, rich samurai history, and delicious seafood straight from the Sea of Japan.

Described as “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa’s rich cultural history is linked to the feudal Maeda clan and its samurai. The town’s castle and surrounding districts — samurai, entertainment, geisha — remain today, giving you a glimpse back into time after being spared during World War 2. The Maeda clan is credited with bringing skilled craftsmen to Kanazawa from throughout Japan in the 17th Century, and many of these artistic crafts can still be seen today.

I’d highly recommend adding this compact, easy-to-navigate city to your next Japan trip. It fits in well with a Japan itinerary that includes Tokyo and Kyoto. And it still feels like a hidden gem and provides a nice contrast to a typical Japan itinerary. If you’re planning your Kanazawa time, you’ll find all of my recommendations on where to stay, the hotel I booked after much debate, and more suggestions below.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in Kanazawa:

For a first trip, I’d stay in the Downtown and Omicho Market Area for easy sightseeing or Higashi Chaya for a traditional stay.

1. Downtown and Omicho Market, best for a first-time central stay
   Soki Kanazawa ($$ / Where I Stayed), Hotel AMANEK Kanazawa ($), KURO Hotel ($$), Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi ($$), UAN ($$), or a 2 Bedroom Chic Private House with a Garden
2. Higashi Chaya, best for a traditional historic riverside stay and ryokans
   Maki no Oto ($$$), Kurumiya 金澤尾張町 黒梅屋 ($$$), Hotel Rashiku Kanazawa ($$), Kinjohro ($$$), or a 1 Bedroom Chich Townhouse with Views
3. Katamachi, best for a local neighborhood stay
   Korinkyo Kanazawa ($$), Hotori Machiya ($$), RUFF Katamachi ($), Kaname Inn Tatemachi ($), or a 3 Bedroom Luxury Home with Stunning Details
4. Kanazawa Station, best for a short stay
   Hotel Nikko Kanazawa ($$), Hyatt Centric Kanazawa ($$), Hotel Torifito Kanazawa ($), Kanazawa Chaya Ryokan ($$), or a 4 Bedroom Machiya Townhouse with Parking

Things to Do

1. Omicho Market + Higashi Chaya Combination Tour
2. Sowaryu Tea Ceremony
3. Urushitoki Kintsugi 2-Hour Workshop
4. Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery Tour
5. Shirakawa-go + Gokayama Full Day Tour

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

For more on Kanazawa, my Kanazawa guide covers the best things to do. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss my Japan itinerary. My city guides to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka cover the best things to do in each city, and my where to stay guides for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka will help you pick the best neighborhoods to book in. I also have day-by-day itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to help you plan each day.

If you’re going by train, check out my tips for getting around Japan by rail and important things to know before traveling to Japan.

Travel Tip: Having mobile data is a must when traveling to Japan. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.

Where to Stay in Kanazawa Guide

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What to Expect from the Accommodations in Kanazawa

The Difference Between Hotels vs Ryokans

It’s important to understand the difference between hotels and ryokans in Japan:

• Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns. You can expect a highly personalized experience, a multi-course seasonal kaiseki meal featuring fresh seafood, and hot springs. Ryokan rooms are more expensive than hotel rooms because meals are included. It’s a very special experience, and worth doing at least once when in Japan.
• Japanese hotels are typically western beds, in-room showers/baths, and breakfast available at an extra cost. Sometimes hotels offer Japanese beds, and you can specify this in the booking as well.

What are the Best Ryokans in Kanazawa?

In Kanazawa, the best ryokans I recommend are Kinjohro, known for its Kaiseki cuisine, then Machi no Odori’s four rooms with private garden/terrace; and finally Kurumiya 金澤尾張町 黒梅屋 with its in-room onsens sourced from local hot springs.

What are the Best Family-Oriented Hotels?

The best family-oriented hotels in Kanazawa would be locations in downtown like Uan Kanazawa, Kananzawa Zoushi, or Amanek Kanazawa. I prefer staying near the attractions when traveling with kids, and these hotels offer larger rooms (up to 4-5 persons) with added services such as coin laundry. Short-term apartment rentals such as Airbnbs may be a better option for your family’s needs as well if you need more space.   

Are there Vacation Rentals in Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has some incredible vacation rentals available on Airbnb that are wonderfully designed and are true to local architecture. For instance, I love the feeling of this historic 3-bedroom machiya with modern amenities.

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Where I Stayed in Kanazawa: Soki Kanazawa

I went back and forth on hotels multiple times for my trip to Kanazawa, ultimately landing on Soki Kanazawa for multiple reasons. The first was that its location couldn’t have been better, being only a few minutes away from the Omicho Market and Kanazawa Castle, and then a short walk to the historic districts I wanted to explore. The hotel itself was fantastic, hitting the strokes between modern and well-designed, but with thoughtful amenities like an onsen with “create your own bath salt mix” and free beverages. Then, in-room perks like slippers and wonderful bath amenities — plus the nightly rate was wonderfully affordable given the level of service and amenities available.

Ultimately, only having 48 hours in the city meant I knew I wouldn’t have a ton of downtime at my hotel. Second to Soki, I would have gladly taken a reservation at one of the three famed ryokans mentioned above (Kinjohro, Machi no Odori, and Kurumiya) if I could have gotten one (they were sold out quite far in advance because of limited rooms). The other hotel I really would have liked to stay at was Korinkyo Kanazawa, the newest design hotel to open. I stopped in to check it out, and it’s beautiful and quite the vibe.

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1. Downtown and Omicho Market
Best Option for a First-Time Central Stay

Downtown and Omicho Market area is the perfect base for a visit to Kanazawa. During my visit, this is where I stayed, and it gave me walking distance to important cultural sites including the Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenrokuen Garden, and Omicho Market. It was also in easy walking distance to the other districts.

From the early morning fishmongers at the Omicho Market to the evening shuffle of day trippers heading to the station, this area is always bustling with people and action. It’s a popular area to stay and for good reason, which is why I recommend it for a first-time stay. This high foot traffic works in your favor with plenty of restaurants and shops.

Best Hotels in Downtown and Omicho Market

1. Soki Hotel ($$ / Where I Stayed), for the best central hotel with an onsen
2. KURO ($$), for a carefully renovated machiya stay with intentional design
3. Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi ($$), for Japanese hospitality including free snacks
4. UAN ($$), for a comfortable hotel just steps from castle grounds
5. Hotel AMANEK Kanazawa ($), for the best design for a dollar stay

Best Airbnbs in Downtown and Omicho Market

1. KURO Hotel, for best boutique apartment hotel in downtown
2. 2 Bedroom Chic Private House with a Garden, for Japanese style rooms near major sites
3. 3 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Incredible Design, for a mix of modern amenities and parking
4. 1 Bedroom Home with Kanazawa River View, for the best residential stay

Things to Do in Downtown and Omicho Market

• Visit Omicho Market in the morning to browse the stalls or go on a food tour for a curated experience.
• Grab a coffee from micro-roaster townsfolk coffee offering hand brew, espresso drinks, and light sandwiches.
• Wander through the beautifully reconstructed Kanazawa Castle complex. Even if you don’t enter the castle (fee), the grounds are worth a walk. 
• Relax on the tatami floors at the Gyokusen-an Rest House over matcha and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). 
• Check out the unusual entrance gate of Oyama Shrine. The arch mixes Japanese, Chinese, and Western elements, including a stained glass window. 
• Visit Kenroku-en, known as one of the “Great Three Gardens” in Japan. The grounds have several paths, cafes, and even Japan’s oldest fountain. 
• Stop by Japanese Tea & Coffee Pottery Cafe Touzan near Kenroku-en’s entrance for a drink and to browse the shop’s Kutani ceramics.

Pros of Staying in Downtown and Omicho Market

I love Downtown Kanazawa for the ease in sightseeing as well as the many restaurants, shops, and cafes nearby.

Cons of Staying in Downtown and Omicho Market

The area can be busy with street and pedestrian traffic, which equates to increased noise. This area also tends to be one of the more expensive areas in Kanazawa.

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2. Higashi Chaya
Best for a Traditional Historic Riverside Stay and Ryokans

Higashi Chaya, the former entertainment neighborhood for nobles, is Kanazawa’s most famous and largest district. And honestly, the most beautiful. I couldn’t help but take out my camera every 100 yards here. Separated from downtown by the Asano River, the small cobblestone streets are filled with Edo-era tea houses and machiyas. The area is geographically isolated from others and is 15-20 minutes walking distance from the station or the castle grounds, but the area feels a world away.

The machiya-lined streets are now filled with adorable cafes, cozy restaurants, and stores selling gold leaf crafts and beauty products. Higashi Chaya feels peaceful early in the morning and by evening, which makes sense why the best ryokans are clustered in this area. This part of Kanazawa is very traditional and isn’t built up like the central area with modern buildings.

Best Hotels in Higashi Chaya

1. Maki no Oto ($$$), for a stay in traditional Japanese ryokan with private garden
2. Kurumiya 金澤尾張町 黒梅屋 ($$$), for an in-room hot spring bath ryokan   
3. Kinjohro ($$$), for an incredible ryokan with over 100 years of experience
4. Hotel Rashiku Kanazawa ($$), for a small upscale stay with warm wood-accented rooms 

Best Airbnbs in Higashi Chaya

1. 1 Bedroom Chic Townhouse with Views, for an old-world stay with modern amenities and a river view
2. 2 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Privacy, for a beautifully designed stay in renovated machiya
3. 2 Bedroom Luxury Townhouse, for a stay in the heart of the Higashi Chaya district

Things to Do in Higashi Chaya

• Learn about the gold leaf industry at Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum. It’s small but gives a good overview of gold leaf production. If you want to buy or try yourself, go to Kinpakuya Sakuda Gold Leaf Shop & Workshop near the museum.  
• Sample the famous soft cream with gold leaf at Higashiyama Ikkyu.
• Step into the Edo era by visiting Geisha House Shima.
• Grab a yakitori snack or meal at Sumibi Yakitori Ryo Higashi Chayagai Ten.
• Walk along the peaceful Asano River or continue uphill to Utatsuyama Park for views over the city. Springtime is particularly beautiful with a cherry blossom grove.
• Buy a ceramic item from a vending machine (across from Shogun Burger). Yen cash only!

Pros of Staying in Higashi Chaya

Despite its geographic isolation from the other primary tourist locations, I would absolutely recommend staying here for the experience of traditional Kanazawa. The streets overflow with day trippers during the prime business hours, but after 6 p.m. the district takes on a magical feel with lanterns lighting the wooden streets.

Cons of Staying in Higashi Chaya

The downside is there are fewer spots to explore on foot, but you’re never further than a 10-minute taxi or bus ride.

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3. Katamachi
Best Option for a Local Neighborhood Stay

Sandwiched between the castle grounds and the Sai River, Katamachi is a vibrant area of the city. You feel like this is where the young energy of the city is, and I felt it immediately during my afternoon here. This area has several museums like the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, DT Suzuki Museum, and more. The area is also full of cozy izakayas, restaurants, cafés, shops, and late-night entertainment.

If you’re coming to Kanazawa and wanting to focus on the museums and have a more local stay, I’d narrow in on Katamachi. It’s a bit further from the train station, but not by all that much. You’ll still be walking distance to the Kanazawa Castle and have several top restaurants nearby.

The Best Hotels in Katamachi

1. Korinkyo Kanazawa ($$), for a minimalist luxury boutique hotel near art museums
2. Hotori Machiya ($$), for modern comforts in traditional home
3. RUFF Katamachi ($), for well-designed rooms to unwind
4. Kaname Inn Tatemachi ($), for a simple modern hotel with social spaces

The Best Airbnbs in Katamachi

1. 2 Bedroom Home with Private Sauna, for a riverside intentionally designed home
2. 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Sauna, for a simple space to unwind
3. 3 Bedroom Luxury Home with Stunning Details, for a spacious fully renovated home

Things to Do in Katamachi

• Museum hop through the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, and D.T. Suzuki Museum. 
• Shop and eat along Kuratsuki Canal. Once an energy source to power the city’s mills, it is now lined with boutique stores, cute cafes, and cozy restaurants.
• Sign up for a tour of Myouryuji, or Ninja-dera, located a short walk from the Katamachi area. This reservation-only tour takes you through the temple’s trick doors, escape routes, and hidden passageways.
• Visit the Nagamachi Samurai District. Start at the Nomura-ke samurai house with its impeccable tatami rooms, samurai armour, and a gorgeous private garden. Next door is the Sakakobo Tarou Onigawa, where you can enjoy the garden through a window seat with a drink and sweet. 
• Walk the former geisha district of Nishi Chaya. Today it’s one street, and the area includes machiya restaurants and the former geisha training and management office, Nishi Kemban Office. If you’re hungry, I recommend Yuura Chaya Café for its delicious curry with freshly-made katsu and katsu sandwiches served in a peaceful dining space with a garden.
• Espresso Bar Kesaran Pasaran offers coffee, light sandwiches, and cheesecakes in a calming atmosphere.

Pros of Staying in Katamachi

Due to Kanazawa’s compactness, the Katamachi area is still fairly central. For those looking to sample Kanazawa’s nightlife, I think this is the ideal spot to stay, and you still have good proximity to most of the top cultural sights.

Cons of Staying in Katamachi

The main downside to Katamachi is that it can be rowdier and noisier than other areas at night because of the bars. That said, most of the good hotels here are off of these busier streets.

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4. Kanazawa Station
Best Option for a Short Stay

Despite the old-world feel of Kanazawa city, the Kanazawa Station area feels firmly footed in modern times. Travelers are reminded of this upon exiting the station to the wooden Tsuzumi-mon Gate and the futuristic glass-and-steel Montenashi Dome. For me, staying at Kanazawa Station is more of a practical decision, really for those wanting a quick overnight.

Similar to most Japanese train stations, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and large hotels. The area can feel transient, but it can be a perk with buses connecting visitors anywhere in the city. It works well for only short stays.

The Best Hotels in Kanazawa Station

1. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa ($$), for panoramic views and an easy walk to the station
2. Hyatt Centric Kanazawa ($$), for contemporary designed rooms
3. Kanazawa Chaya Ryokan ($$), for ryokan experience near the station
4. Hotel Torifito Kanazawa ($), for simple, clean rooms and onset

The Best Airbnbs in Kanazawa Station

1. 2 Bedroom Modern Townhouse, for cozy, well-appointed stay with garden
2. 4 Bedroom Machiya Townhouse with Parking, for group stay in renovated 100-year-old home
3. 5 Bedroom Private Home with Terrace, for large group stay with rooftop patio

Things to Do in Kanazawa Station

• Admire the wooden Tsuzumi Gate designed to mimic the hand drums used in Noh theater at the entrance of Kanazawa Station. 
• Pick up last-minute gifts at Kanazawa Hyakubangai inside the station. Here you can find souvenirs, local sweets, snacks, and fashion.  
• Enjoy a seasonal Japanese meal at Benkay on the 6th floor of Hotel Nikko Kanazawa. Some of the spaces face a serene Japanese garden.
• Day trip to Shirakawa-go (highway bus), Kaga Onsen (train), or Toyama (Shinkansen).
• Pop into Hyatt Centric‘s 14th-floor open-air bar for drinks with sweeping city views.
• Sample Kanazawa’s amazing seafood with an omakase set and sake pairings at Hatanaka sushi restaurant near the station.

Pros of Staying in Kanazawa Station

This location is a great fit for those in Kanazawa for a short time or those planning multiple day trips elsewhere. There is a wide range of lodging near Kanazawa Station for all price ranges. The ease of being able to drop your bags and immediately begin exploring.

Cons of Staying in Kanazawa Station

There isn’t much in the immediate station area outside restaurants and shops, so you will need to travel further to get to the cultural attractions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kanazawa

Is Kanazawa walkable?

Kanazawa is a very walkable city. Most sites can be reached on foot within 15-20 minutes or a short taxi/bus ride. If the weather is nice, it’s a great city to stroll.

What is the main area of Kanazawa?

The main area is the Kanazawa Castle grounds and the neighboring Kenroku-en garden. Several of the art museums and surrounding streets full of restaurants and shops are within a short walk from the castle grounds.

How many days in Kanazawa is enough?

I recommend two nights in Kanazawa to see the sights, or three nights with a leisurely pace. For day trips to Shirakawa-go or Kaga onsen villages, add additional nights to your Kanazawa stay.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Personally, I prefer the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Kanazawa — and particularly Kenroku-en garden — really shine during these seasons. However, I could make a case for the magical feel of Kanazawa covered in snow.

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