A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kanazawa vs. Okinawa for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Kanazawa or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a idyllic, tropical, and lush archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kanazawa and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Okinawa than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Okinawa is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Okinawa is well known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands.

How is Kanazawa different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Okinawa.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Okinawa can be an interesting and educational experience. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

Both Kanazawa and Okinawa offer high quality 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Okinawa for the nightlife scene. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

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 Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Okinawa. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa is not to be missed. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Okinawa is a very popular vacation destination. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for its Old Town?

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

Kanazawa offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Okinawa does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is very popular for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Families?

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

Okinawa is one of the most popular family destinations. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa is very popular for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Okinawa has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Okinawa are notable 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 Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a good destination for students. However, Okinawa is not popular with 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.

Okinawa is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Kanazawa or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable city. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

Both Kanazawa and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

One day in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

In Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

In Kanazawa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer.

Okinawa 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.

Five days in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Kanazawa or Okinawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. This archipelago 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Okinawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Okinawa, 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 Kanazawa or Okinawa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Kanazawa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kanazawa is generally cooler than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Okinawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

Okinawa 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 July than Okinawa. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Okinawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Okinawa. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kanazawa is much colder than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during autumn. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Okinawa. The winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. In the winter, Kanazawa is much colder than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the winter, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in January than Okinawa. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Kanazawa usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In April, Kanazawa usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Kanazawa