Stay overnight in Kanazawa and fully explore what this rich and diverse city has to offer.
As the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa has no shortage of accommodation options. It’s tough to choose only one of the city’s comfortable hotels, hostels, or traditional ryokan (Japanese inns). So much so, you might have to book an extra night or two.
Where to stay in Kanazawa
You’ll exceed your daily steps target in Kanazawa. It’s a city made for walking with most sights around a 20-minute walk from each other. There is also an excellent loop bus network, meaning most hotels have easy access to transport. Instead, when deciding on where to stay, focus on areas that complement your vibe. For foodies who want options, it’s best to be around Kanazawa Station, but for those who want to try a range of izakaya and nightlife, just south of the Nagamachi Samurai District will suit you best.
Higashi Chaya — the traditional tea district similar to Gion in Kyoto — is serene in the evenings, quite unlike the afternoon bustle. So, that’s the place to be for some peace.
The best hostels in Kanazawa
Perfect if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sharing a bathroom. Hostels in Kanazawa are of a pretty high standard — there’s a good mix of basic and trendy, with complimentary tea and coffee being standard.
Blue Hour Hostel: Basic but friendly
From ¥3,0002 minutes from Kanazawa Station
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Offering everything you need from a hostel, Blue Hour Hostel has comfy capsule-style dorms, bright lounge areas, and plenty of space for working if you have trip planning to do. The hostel has a private women-only dorm, bathroom, and workspace with tea and coffee, as well as co-ed versions.
There’s no breakfast on offer, but there’s tea and coffee to get your day started. There are some simple kitchen amenities like a toaster oven (grab bagels from the nearby Tobeguru shop). Blue Hour Hostel is very close to Kanazawa Station, so it’s the perfect choice if you have a late arrival or early departure.
Sharin: Family-friendly with private rooms
From ¥3,0007 minutes from Kanazawa Station
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Small and simple, Sharin is located in an old antique shop with two private rooms and a (very) small dorm with a handful of bunks. The reception, staffed by a friendly manager, is a small counter bar serving tea and coffee for guests. The place has been fitted out with stylish wallpaper and projectors in some rooms, but the presence of tatami mats keeps a hint of tradition.
Sharin is on a quiet street between Kanazawa Station and the sightseeing center, so it’s quiet at night but not too far to walk or bus into town.
Top tip: Read our guide on the top 10 things to do in Kanazawa
Best hotels in Kanazawa
If you’re after private bathrooms, then Kanazawa has a very nice collection of hotels with plenty springing up throughout the city.
Square Hotel: Gadgets and saunas
From ¥7,00015 minutes from Kanazawa Station
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One of the nicest contemporary hotels in town, Square Hotel has all the gadgets and some of the most affordable prices. It’s located right on the main street, a few steps from Omicho Market and just a short stroll from Kanazawa Castle.
The ground floor features a trendy cafe, and on the 13th floor, there’s a sauna and hot spring — complete with Dyson hairdryers and very nice face creams. The rooms are exactly what you expect from this level of hotel: a tad small but with everything you need (including a smartphone, tablet, and wireless speakers).
The Share Hotels Kumu: The luxe option
From ¥15,00019-minute walk or 10-minute bus from Kanazawa Station
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Fancy and it knows it. Kumu has an unassuming exterior but shines inside with a blend of traditional and contemporary design. It boasts a Muji-style minimalism with carefully selected Japanese crafts and an impressive cross-hatched wooden ceiling. A bonus is the tempting ground-floor specialist tea salon Kissa.
It’s centrally located, an easy walk from Omicho Market, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Kanazawa Castle.
Trendy and central: Hotel Pacific
From ¥6,00017-minute walk or 5-minute bus from Kanazawa Station
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Hotel Pacific is a converted business hotel with a hipster makeover that tips it over into boutique territory. It’s a great find. The prices are low, the location is central, and it’s got everything you need. Pacific has very comfortable beds, hotel-made guides for food and sightseeing, and very nice chai lattes (to be sipped on in the small but charming first-floor cafe).
While it has none of the fancier things in life — like a hot spring, gym, or Dyson hairdryer — there’s something special about Pacific, although the business hotel atmosphere means it will never quite be perfect.
Dormy Inn: The traditional business hotel
From ¥9,0003 minutes from Kanazawa Station
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Dormy Inn is a cheap and cheerful hotel chain in Japan. As with its counterparts, this Kanazawa hotel is right next to the station with a no-fuss facade and plenty of rooms. This one also has hot springs to soak in — which is great if you go for a room that’s so budget it doesn’t have a shower.
There is an elaborate breakfast buffet (sometimes included in the price), but because the hotel is next to many shopping malls, you won’t be at a loss for food options whatever the time of day. On that note, you’re so close to ramen shop Menya Taiga it would be an actual offense not to go.
Traveler’s tip: Here are the 9 best restaurants in Kanazawa
Best ryokan in Kanazawa
If you want to try the traditional Japanese hotel experience, then a night in a ryokan is perfect. Sleep on a futon rolled out for you and fall asleep to the sweet smell of tatami… (it’s better than it sounds, we promise).
Sumiyoshiya Ryokan: Traveler-friendly
From ¥7,0003 minutes from Kanazawa Station
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A popular choice thanks to the English-speaking host and affordable rates, Sumiyoshiya is in the heart of the city. It has been open for around 300 years, longer than almost all of the ryokan in the city, and offers the full traditional experience. You can choose dinner and breakfast, just breakfast, or just the room — we suggest at least one meal for the full ryokan experience. Prepare to have your dinner brought to your room, your futon rolled out, and your soul relaxed.
Kanazawa accommodation FAQs
Your questions answered.
Is Kanazawa expensive or cheap to stay in?
Kanazawa has a reputation for being expensive — it is where wealthy samurai families used to live and even today, the local mascot is called Hyakumansan (Mr. One Million). But that’s not true of its accommodation. When Kanazawa Station connected to the Shinkansen line, many cheap chain hotels also popped up. You can see from our list that there are plenty of options for below or around just ¥10,000.
How many days should I stay in Kanazawa?
The city is bursting with things to do, and if you spend only one day, you will be missing out. You can also make Kanazawa a base, taking advantage of a rail pass, and visit Fukui Prefecture. Or take a bus into the mountains and see the triangular roofs of Shirakawagō.
