A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kanazawa vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Kanazawa and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kanazawa than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kanazawa is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Also, Kanazawa is famous for Kenroku-en Garden. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Kanazawa different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kanazawa is an experience not to be missed. 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).

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is very popular for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for students. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit 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.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kanazawa than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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.

One day in Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Kanazawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The beautiful remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanazawa and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Kanazawa during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanazawa is generally a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Shiretoko National Park. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Kanazawa is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Kanazawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Shiretoko National Park. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during winter. Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kanazawa is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In April, Kanazawa is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Kanazawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during spring. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In April, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Kanazawa