A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tokyo or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Kanazawa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tokyo or Kanazawa?

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Tokyo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $177, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $113. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $84
    Kanazawa $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $168
    Kanazawa $140
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.

Hotels in Tokyo


Hotels in Kanazawa


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $22
    Kanazawa $10
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:


  • Metro from Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Car: $401
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $302
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $299
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $299
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Car: $290
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan: $284
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $267
  • Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $249
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Business Car: $236
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Van: $236
  • Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230

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 Tokyo or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Tokyo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tokyo $42
    Kanazawa $35
Typical Food prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.72
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.72
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
  • Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
  • Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
  • West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
  • Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
  • Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
  • Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
  • Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
  • 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tokyo $78
    Kanazawa $11

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
  • Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
  • Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
  • Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
  • Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
  • Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
  • Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
  • Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
  • Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
  • Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
  • Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
  • Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • 5 Hour Historical Shirakawago and Gokayama Village Tour: $295
  • Cultural and meditation Tour through Ishikawa prefecture: $399
  • General Admission Ticket Fee: $4.92
  • Gokayama and Shirakawago full day tour with professional photographer: $421
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $85
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $103
  • Kanazawa Custom Full Day Tour: $298
  • Kanazawa Custom Half Day Tour: $168
  • Kanazawa Fisherman’s Wharf Night Exploration tour: $91
  • Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide): $181
  • Kanazawa Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $138
  • Kanazawa Half Day Tour (Private Guide): $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $36
    Kanazawa $13
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.29

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Kanazawa, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Kanazawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kanazawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanazawa 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Kanazawa.


When is the best time to visit Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July are around 26°C (78°F), and Kanazawa is about 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Tokyo gets 137 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 Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Kanazawa stays around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kanazawa. Tokyo gets 129 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 Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Kanazawa. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. Tokyo is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 5°C (42°F) in January, and Kanazawa stays around 3°C (38°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Tokyo gets 175 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, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Tokyo or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Kanazawa. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tokyo is a little warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April are around 14°C (58°F), and Kanazawa is about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kanazawa. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Tokyo

Tokyo Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)


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Tokyo vs. Kanazawa Travel Comparison

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