A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Kanazawa for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a luxurious, serene, and idyllic archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Yaeyama Islands and Kanazawa are both popular with visitors, Yaeyama Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yaeyama Islands is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Yaeyama Islands is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also home to Nishihama Beach. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kanazawa makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Kanazawa are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Yaeyama Islands is a perfect choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Yaeyama Islands is a very popular vacation destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kanazawa to see the historical 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.

Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kanazawa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly destination. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands 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, Yaeyama Islands has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a good destination for students. However, Yaeyama Islands is not popular with 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

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

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yaeyama Islands than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanazawa than Yaeyama Islands 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 Kanazawa.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

The beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historic destination of Kanazawa offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yaeyama Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 archipelago offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Kanazawa. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. In the summer, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yaeyama Islands usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa and Yaeyama Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 18°C (64°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 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 Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Kanazawa. The spring months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kanazawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Yaeyama Islands