A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kanazawa vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kanazawa. Although Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both popular with visitors, Kanazawa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kanazawa is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. It is also home to Kenroku-en Garden. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Kanazawa different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kanazawa. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.


Is the Food Better in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.


Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly destination. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

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 Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are good places to visit.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Students?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.


Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Kanazawa
Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable city. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. In our opinion, Kanazawa has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kanazawa than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanazawa than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Kanazawa.


  • How many days in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kanazawa 1-2 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 1-2

One day in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kanazawa, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Kanazawa, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Kanazawa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanazawa is $104, while the average daily cost in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is $70. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanazawa $65
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanazawa $130
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $68
Compare Hotels in Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Looking for a hotel in Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kanazawa


Hotels in Chichibu-Tama-Kai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanazawa $9.43
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $322
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $258
  • Private Transfer from Kanazawa Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Prices for flights to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kanazawa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kanazawa $33
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kanazawa Home Cooking Class: $44
  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $59
  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $61
  • Geiko or Geisha Performance with Dinner: $270

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanazawa $9.86
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $7.22

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $81
  • 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $233
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $172
  • 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $219
  • Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $91
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main & Kenrokuen: $77
  • Full Day Tour Eiheiji Buddhist Temple and Fukui City Castle Town: $219
  • Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $155
  • Futamata Clay Factory Tour: $297
  • Gokayama/Shirakawago private 1 day tour+Photoshoot by professional photographer : $221
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $58
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanazawa $12
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $8.40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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



When is the best time to visit Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kanazawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanazawa in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai can be very cold. Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanazawa is generally cooler than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 3°C (38°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Kanazawa

Kanazawa Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in) 22°C (71°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in) 17°C (62°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in) 6°C (43°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)


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