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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Kanazawa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Kanazawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is known for its historical sights. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kuala Lumpur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Kuala Lumpur for the nightlife scene. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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

Is Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Kuala Lumpur has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Kanazawa are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kuala Lumpur than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kanazawa, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kanazawa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kanazawa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kanazawa is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Kuala Lumpur during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Kanazawa. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Kuala Lumpur