A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nagano vs. Kanazawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Kanazawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa attracts visitors for its shopping. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple. Kanazawa is famous for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Nagano different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Skiing?

Nagano is great for skiing. However, Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagano or Kanazawa?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nagano and Kanazawa.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Nagano and Kanazawa.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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).

Is Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Nagano for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Nagano is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Both Nagano and Kanazawa have nice historic old towns worth visiting.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

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.

Is Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Nagano is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Kanazawa is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

Nagano is a very family-friendly destination. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Kanazawa are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Kanazawa is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nagano and Kanazawa are nice places to visit.

Nagano is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Nagano or Kanazawa Better for Students?

For students, both Nagano and Kanazawa are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Nagano and Kanazawa both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

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 Nagano or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nagano or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nagano than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano 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 Nagano.

One day in Nagano or Kanazawa?

The beautiful city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanazawa. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Kanazawa?

Nagano 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagano or Kanazawa?

Nagano 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Kanazawa?

Nagano 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 city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kanazawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Nagano Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano or Kanazawa?

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 Nagano or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nagano is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 25°C (77°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 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 Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Kanazawa. The winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. The weather in Nagano can be very cold. In the winter, Nagano is cooler than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Kanazawa. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In April, Nagano is generally cooler than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Nagano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Nagano