Japanese Architecture Posts

If you're looking to stay in Kanazawa, but want more freedom than a hotel or hostel can provide, Airbnb is the answer. A vacation rental offers the chance to experience some of Kanazawa's famous traditional wooden houses, as well as stunning riverside properties. Here is a list of our favorites -- with all the details you need to plan your trip. Jump to: Airbnb vs. hotel 1. Shiraoya: Garden and great reviews 2. Pino te Colo: Best for couples 3. Tsuki: Old and new 4. 5-bedroom house near Kanazawa Station 5. Stylish townhouse near Higashi Chaya District 6. Machiya next to Kenrokuen Garden 7. WM House Apartment: Contemporary for couples Kanazawa Airbnb FAQs Airbnb vs. hotel Similar to any big city, Kanazawa offers a variety of accommodation, ranging from budget business hotels to more luxurious chain names. Whether you choose a hotel or an Airbnb is down to your personal preference. Hotels do offer more services, such as a 24-hour concierge, room service, and breakfast. Typically, you won't find these things in an Airbnb, but there are instead other benefits such as added privacy and your own place to cook. Shopping trip to Omicho Market, anyone? Prices A night in a 3-star hotel in Kanazawa is roughly . Vacation rentals start around per night but go up, depending on location and facilities. Typically, Airbnbs are more cost-effective for couples, families, or bigger groups, as the split costs tend to work out lower than a night at a hotel. However, for singles, we suggest checking out our Kanazawa hotel and hostel guide for keeping accommodation costs low. Rules In Japan, Airbnb hosts must follow the Minpaku Law, which requires them to obtain a license to run short-term rentals. To ensure that you are booking an "official" Airbnb, it is best to check the host's license number on the listing. Another requirement hosts have to follow is obtaining each individual guest's details. This includes passport information, address, and even occupation -- so don't be alarmed if your host asks for these details. Hosts set their own rules around smoking, check-in/out times, and noise levels, so make sure you understand all of this before booking. They also might charge additional fees for things like cleaning. For more specific details, we recommend looking at the official Airbnb page about booking in Japan. Where to stay? There are an impressive number of traditional machiya (historic wooden houses) in Kanazawa, so you can explore the local samurai streets and tea districts, as well as experience life in a Japanese home -- tatami and all. The map above is a handy way to see where you want to set up your base. Below, we list our Kanazawa Airbnb recommendations, skipping all the room-only options and sticking to entire houses/apartments so that you can enjoy your space. Note that prices are approximate, and subject to change. 1. Shiraoya: Garden and great reviews 20-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station (2-night minimum, excluding fees) Check availability With superhost reviews that will make you want to move in permanently, the perk of this place is just as much the host as it is the home. A traditional Japanese house complete with garden and tatami rooms, Shiraoya has aircon and heating, a washer, a fully equipped kitchen and a mix of Western- and Japanese-style sleeping options. There are three bedrooms, accommodating up to six guests. The location is another selling point, being beside the samurai district and also close to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kenrokuen Garden. 2. Pino te Colo: Best for couples 20-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station (excluding fees) Check availability Perfect for a couple or a small group of friends, this contemporary one-bedroom apartment is surprisingly spacious and well equipped. Bright and airy, there are two beds, a small but useful kitchen, and a dining space. The building is divided into two apartments, so you can opt for the upstairs one (Colo) if you prefer. There are all the usual things like Wi-Fi, aircon, a washer and free parking. Northeast of the castle, this apartment is within walking distance of Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District, as well as plenty of other great sites. 3. Tsuki: Old and new 20-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station (3-night minimum, excluding fees) Check availability A smart blend of contemporary and traditional design, Tsuki is a renovated three-bedroom machiya near the Nishi Chaya District. While the house is across the river from the main attractions, it's in a quiet area and close to bus and bike spots for easy access to the city. The renovation means you have an open-plan dining and kitchen space, a living room complete with mini rock garden, stylish Western- and Japanese-style bedrooms and a new bathroom. It's wheelchair-accessible, and has all the amenities you could need. The building has a smaller apartment connected to it called Kaze, which has its own entrance. There is also a similar spot nearby if this one is full -- same owners and style. 4. Big house best for groups, next to Kanazawa Station 3-minute walk from Kanazawa Station (excluding fees) Check availability If you are traveling in a bigger group, staying in an Airbnb is often the more economical choice. There is no small choice of entire rentals, similar to this five-bedroom house which is basically next to Kanazawa Station. Perfect for those who want to be centrally located, the house can accommodate up to eight guests, and features a cozy lounge space, fully equipped kitchen, and open wooden-deck balcony with views of the city. 5. Stylish townhouse near Higashi Chaya District 15-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station (3-night minimum, excluding fees) Check availability Higashi Chaya is one of Kanazawa's most visited tourist spots. Like the name suggests, the area is famous for its tea houses, and is a local geisha district. This stylish townhouse is less than five minutes away from the main street and offers a colorful take on traditional Japanese esthetics. Sleeping up to five guests, there are two bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchen. It is ideal for small groups or families. 6. Machiya near Kenrokuen Garden, with city views 20-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station (excluding fees) Check availability Located a short walk from Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous spots in Kanazawa, this three-bedroom remodeled machiya will make you feel as though you are living in the city, and not just passing through. Combining traditional and modern interiors, guests will feel both relaxed and comfortable. This is only enhanced by the incredible view of Mt. Tatsuyama. Another solid option for those looking for somewhere suitable for a bigger group. 7. WM House Apartment: Contemporary for couples 15-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station (3-night minimum, excluding fees) Check availability Another Nishi Chaya location, this house is close to the Ninja Temple and has great bus and bike stops nearby. Complete with access to a rooftop terrace and within five minutes of the Nishi Chaya tea district, this newly built apartment has everything you need. While it claims space for six, we're not 100% sure where everyone would go (or if you would still be friends afterwards), although families with children would be fine. There's a well-equipped kitchen, sofa and tv, separate bedroom and Wi-Fi, along with a washer, heating and aircon too. It's small, but that's Japanese apartments for you -- and this one makes great use of the space available without it feeling cramped. Pro tip: Now you have found somewhere to stay, find some inspiration on where to eat in our Kanazawa dining guide. Kanazawa Airbnb FAQs What is the best area to stay in Kanazawa? To experience the best of what Kanazawa has to offer, we recommend staying either near Kanazawa Station, the Higashi Chaya District, or Kenrokuen Garden. Check out our Kanazawa guide to learn more about what to see and where to stay in the city. Can I send luggage to my Airbnb in Kanazawa? This depends on the host and the type of Airbnb you are staying in. If hosts allow luggage to be sent over in advance, you will need to arrange this yourself by booking luggage delivery services. Also read: Best Airbnb and Vacation Rentals in Tokyo While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2020. Last updated in April 2025, by Jane Pipkin.

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Japanese Architecture Posts

Kanazawa's 7 Best Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Shirakawagō: Fairytale Village in the Countryside

Himuro Koya (Ice Hut)

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