A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Kanazawa for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Kanazawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Kanazawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Kanazawa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Kanazawa. Dubai is bigger than Kanazawa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kanazawa and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Kanazawa?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Kanazawa and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kanazawa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Kanazawa both to be very good destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kanazawa makes for a great culinary experience. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Dubai is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Music?

Dubai is very popular for live music. However, Kanazawa is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Kanazawa is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Dubai is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Dubai is very good for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Kanazawa?

Dubai is very popular for shopping. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Dubai. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Dubai is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very family-friendly destination. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Kanazawa are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Kanazawa is a nice destination for couples. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Dubai is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai and Kanazawa both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Dubai or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Kanazawa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubai than Kanazawa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Kanazawa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Kanazawa?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kanazawa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this well-preserved destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Kanazawa?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Kanazawa?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kanazawa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kanazawa. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Kanazawa?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Kanazawa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Kanazawa, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Kanazawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Kanazawa is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kanazawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanazawa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Kanazawa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Kanazawa?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Kanazawa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. Dubai is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Kanazawa. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Dubai