When considering accommodation in Kanazawa, you may be wondering which area to book. Even if you search on Booking.com or Airbnb, it is often difficult to understand the characteristics of each area and you may be wondering which is best suited to your travel style.
Kanazawa can be broadly divided into the following areas, each with its own unique attractions and features. We will explain each area in more detail later on.
Kanazawa is not a sprawling city like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, so it is relatively easy to access the main tourist attractions no matter which area you stay in. Getting around is possible on foot, by bicycle, or by bus. However, each area has its own unique attractions, so if you go to the trouble of booking accommodation, you will enjoy a more fulfilling stay if you take these into account when choosing your accommodation. Please use this guide to find the area that suits you best.
:Station West Area The Station West Area is a relatively new area and home to many popular hotels for tourists. For example, new hotels such as Mystays and Hotel Vista stand in the area, while the Sai no Niwa Hotel is located a little further away. Access from this area to the main tourist attractions, such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, requires buses or taxis, so it is important to have a means of transport.
Kanazawa Station and Honmachi Area The Kanazawa Station and Honmachi Area has very good transport links for travelers using the train. There are many restaurants and eateries in the Kanazawa Station area, so there is no shortage of places to eat, but be careful when you go out for dinner as the restaurants close relatively early. The main tourist attractions, Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, are generally accessible by bus or taxi.
Higashi Chaya Area The Higashi Chaya Area is one of Kanazawa’s most popular tourist destinations and is an atmospheric place where the streets of the Edo period are still preserved. Due to landscape protection, there are few convenience stores and shops in this area, so it is advisable to stock up on essentials beforehand. It is also one of the best places to visit at night when the fantastic sight of the Higashi Chaya tea houses unfolds. It is also worth bearing in mind that access to Kenrokuen Garden is somewhat inconvenient and requires a lot of walking.
Omicho Market and Owaricho Area The Omicho Market and Owaricho Area is conveniently located in the center of Kanazawa, within walking distance of many tourist attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Ruins, and Higashi Chaya. Omicho Market is lively from early morning, but many shops close in the evening, so care should be taken when planning a sightseeing schedule. You will also often have to travel to the Katamachi area for evening meals.
Kenrokuen Area The Kenrokuen Area is centered around Kanazawa’s most famous sightseeing spot, Kenrokuen Garden, and is a place where you can experience the beauty of nature. This area is characterized by a lack of convenience stores due to landscape protection. Kenrokuen Garden is sometimes open early in the morning for free, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy an early morning stroll when staying here.
Minamicho, Korinbo, and Katamachi Area The Minamicho, Korinbo, and Katamachi Area is a particularly busy commercial area in Kanazawa City. With many convenience stores and restaurants, it is a very convenient place to stay. It is also an ideal base for sightseeing, as major tourist attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle can be accessed on foot.
Nomachi/Teramachi Area The Nomachi/Teramachi Area is a historical area with many temples and a deep sense of Kanazawa’s culture. This area is also home to Myoryuji Temple, famous as the “Ninja Temple” and a must-see for history buffs. The Katamachi area is also within walking distance, so you will have no trouble finding convenience stores and restaurants.
What did you think? Choosing an area to stay in Kanazawa is an important part of the travel experience. Each area has its own charm, and you can choose the best place to stay according to your purpose and preferences, such as the Higashi Chaya Area for enjoying the historical townscape, the Kanazawa Station and Honmachi Areas for convenient access, or the bustling Minamicho, Korinbo, and Katamachi Areas. Whichever area you choose to stay in, Kanazawa’s major tourist attractions are easily accessible, so you can enjoy sightseeing to the fullest without the stress of moving around. We hope this article will help you plan your trip and find the perfect area for you. We hope your stay in Kanazawa will be a wonderful and memorable one.
| Area | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Station West Area (駅西エリア) | Relatively new with many modern hotels. Ideal for those seeking cleanliness and modern facilities. | Requires bus or taxi to access major tourist spots. Limited dining options and can be inconvenient. |
| 2. Kanazawa Station and Honmachi Area (金沢駅・本町エリア) | Adjacent to Kanazawa Station, allowing easy access to the hotel right after arrival by Shinkansen. Perfect transportation hub. | Requires bus or taxi to access major tourist spots. Restaurants close early, limiting dinner options. |
| 3. Higashi Chaya Area (ひがし茶屋エリア) | Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Higashi Chaya, with different charms by day and night. Rich historical atmosphere. | Few convenience stores and restaurants due to being a protected area. Limited dining options. |
| 4. Omicho Market and Owaricho Area (近江町市場・尾張町エリア) | Conveniently located within walking distance to many major tourist spots. Ideal for visiting Omicho Market in the morning. | Restaurants close early, so you may need to go to the Katamachi area for dinner. |
| 5. Kenrokuen Area (兼六園エリア) | Enjoy the full beauty of Kenrokuen Garden. Easy access to the garden’s early morning free opening and other tourist spots. | Few convenience stores and restaurants due to landscape protection. Limited shopping and dining options. |
| 6. Minamicho/Korinbo/Katamachi Area (南町・香林坊・片町エリア) | Abundant convenience stores and restaurants, making it a very convenient place to stay. Ideal base for sightseeing, possibly the best area in Kanazawa for tourists. | Parking can be difficult if you visit by car, as spaces are limited. |
| 7. Nomachi/Teramachi Area (野町・寺町エリア) | Historical area with many temples. Convenience stores and restaurants are fairly accessible. | Far from Kanazawa Station, making access less convenient and requiring more time for transportation. |
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