A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Kanazawa for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nikko 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 Nikko 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a tranquil, relaxing, and peaceful town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Kanazawa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Nikko and Kanazawa are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nikko is more popular for its museums & sights, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is known for its nightlife and shopping. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Nikko different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nikko 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 Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nikko and Kanazawa offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Nikko has a world-famous historical area. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Many people head to Kanazawa to see the 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.

Is Nikko or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Nikko or Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

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 Nikko or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Nikko 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, Nikko has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Is Nikko or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko is great 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.

Public transit in Nikko is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Nikko and Kanazawa are superb when it comes to walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

Kanazawa is a very walkable town. 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 Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nikko or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nikko than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

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

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

One day in Nikko or Kanazawa?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

In Kanazawa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this well-preserved destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Nikko or Kanazawa?

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Nikko or Kanazawa?

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

Kanazawa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kanazawa. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Kanazawa?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko 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 Nikko 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 Nikko or Kanazawa in the Summer?

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

Nikko is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Nikko 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 Nikko. In July, Nikko usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Nikko during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nikko is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nikko in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Nikko often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Nikko 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 Nikko. Nikko usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Kanazawa. The winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Nikko can be very cold. In January, Nikko is generally cooler than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 3°C (37°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Nikko 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. In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Kanazawa. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

Nikko is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Nikko