Where to Stay in Kanazawa: Choosing the Right Area

Kanazawa Station, with its Tsuzumi-mon Gate, is where the Hokuriku Shinkansen and limited express trains arrive and depart, and city buses as well as highway buses to Komatsu Airport and Shirakawa-go leave from here. There are many hotels around the station, and the station building has plenty of places to eat and buy souvenirs.

Best for

• ✓Travelers getting around on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
• ✓Those making day trips to Shirakawa-go, Noto and elsewhere
• ✓Families with kids who want to keep travel to a minimum

Keep in mind

Getting to Kenroku-en or the Higashi Chaya District means taking a bus.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR and IR Ishikawa Railway Kanazawa Station; Hokuriku Railroad Hokutetsu-Kanazawa Station

Home to Omicho Market, known as Kanazawa's kitchen, this area sits between the station and the city center. The Higashi Chaya District and the Nagamachi Samurai District are within walking distance.

Best for

• ✓Those who want breakfast at the market
• ✓Travelers who want a spot with easy access to both the station and the sights

Keep in mind

Many market stalls close by early evening, so eating at the market is mainly a morning-to-lunchtime affair.

Nearest stations

🚉 Hokuriku Railroad Bus and West JR Bus Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market bus stop

Kanazawa's central district, with department stores and shopping complexes, within walking distance of Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle Park, the Nagamachi Samurai District and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Katamachi and Kiguramachi have many restaurants open late into the night, and the Nishi Chaya District is also nearby.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Kanazawa
• ✓Those who want to visit the sights on foot
• ✓Anyone who wants to eat out at night

Nearest stations

🚉 Hokuriku Railroad Bus and West JR Bus Korinbo and Katamachi bus stops

Home to the Higashi Chaya District, lined with lattice-fronted teahouse buildings, and the Kazuemachi Chaya District along the Asano River. Some accommodations are converted machiya townhouses, letting you stroll the streets in the morning and evening when there are few visitors.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to stay in a classic Japanese streetscape
• ✓Travelers who prefer a relaxed trip
• ✓Anyone who also wants to explore Mt. Utatsu and its temples

Keep in mind

Getting to Kanazawa Station or Korinbo means taking a bus, and few places are open at night.

Nearest stations

🚉 Hokuriku Railroad Bus and West JR Bus Hashibacho bus stop

A hot spring area in the hills of Kanazawa City, with a cluster of ryokan and a memorial museum associated with Takehisa Yumeji. It suits travelers who want to combine sightseeing in the city with relaxing at a hot spring.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to stay at a hot spring ryokan
• ✓Travelers who want a quiet stay

Keep in mind

Getting to the city center is by local bus, which does not run very often.

Nearest stations

🚉 Hokuriku Railroad Bus Yuwaku Onsen bus stop