Which city is cheaper, Kanazawa or Matsue?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Matsue vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Matsue or Kanazawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Kanazawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Matsue or Kanazawa?
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMatsue $74Kanazawa $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $74, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $116. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Matsue and Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMatsue $29Kanazawa $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMatsue $58Kanazawa $144
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Kanazawa? 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.
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: Matsue Hotel Prices and Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Matsue $22Kanazawa $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa
Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kanazawa to Komatsu Airport: $157
Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Matsue 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
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Food Meals for one dayMatsue $31Kanazawa $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Omicho Market Tour and Cooking Class: $68
- Kanazawa Omicho market and Higashichayagai district Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Matsue $9.95Kanazawa $11
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adachi Museum Private Customized Guided Tour from Matsue: $396
- Private Customized Tour with Izumo Taisha Shrine: $88
- Romantic Tour In Matsue: $496
- The best of Matsue walking tour: $496
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- General Admission Ticket Fee: $4.92
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $36
- You can make original accessories using Mizuhiki!!Experience Kanazawa culture!: $50
- Sushi-Making Experience! IN KANAZAWA: $51
- Samurai Armor Cosplay Experience: $62
- Ninja Cosplay Experience: $72
- Samurai Kimono Cosplay Experience: $72
- Kimono Dress Experience in Kanazawa Korinbo with Door to Door Pick Up from hotel: $74
- Oiran Costume Experience: $83
- Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $85
- Kanazawa Fisherman’s Wharf Night Exploration tour: $91
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMatsue $7.74Kanazawa $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.
When is the best time to visit Matsue or Kanazawa?
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 Matsue or Kanazawa in the Summer?
Both Kanazawa and Matsue during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Temperatures in Matsue average around 25°C (78°F), and Kanazawa stays around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Matsue. In the summer, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 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 Matsue. Matsue usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kanazawa. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMatsue 25°C (78°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Matsue or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Kanazawa.
Matsue is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the autumn. The temperature in Matsue is usually 17°C (62°F) in October, and Kanazawa stays around 17°C (62°F).
Matsue usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Matsue usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMatsue 17°C (62°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Matsue or Kanazawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Kanazawa.
It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. The weather in Matsue can be very cold. In the winter, Matsue is a little warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Matsue in January are around 4°C (39°F), and Kanazawa is about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Matsue usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMatsue 4°C (39°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Matsue or Kanazawa in the Spring?
Both Kanazawa and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Temperatures in Matsue average around 13°C (55°F), and Kanazawa stays around 12°C (54°F).
Matsue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Matsue. In April, Matsue usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMatsue 13°C (55°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Matsue
| Matsue | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 in) |
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