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

Should you visit Yokohama or Kanazawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Kanazawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a colorful, under-rated, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Kanazawa

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

Yokohama and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Kanazawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Yokohama is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Kanazawa is known for its historical sights. Kanazawa is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Yokohama and Kanazawa have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Yokohama or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Kanazawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Yokohama or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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 Yokohama or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Yokohama 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.

Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kanazawa and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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.

Is Yokohama or Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

Yokohama is one of the most popular family destinations. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Yokohama is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Yokohama is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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 Yokohama or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Kanazawa are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Yokohama or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Yokohama and Kanazawa are good places to visit for students.

Yokohama is popular with students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

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

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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 Yokohama or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Yokohama and Kanazawa both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yokohama or Kanazawa to fill your time. In our opinion, Yokohama has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yokohama than Kanazawa. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Yokohama 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yokohama, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kanazawa 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Yokohama 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.

Kanazawa 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.

A week in Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Yokohama is a great place to explore. 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.

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. 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.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Kanazawa, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama than you might in Kanazawa.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Kanazawa?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama 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 Yokohama 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 Yokohama or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Yokohama during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

In the summer, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Kanazawa. Yokohama gets 137 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 Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Kanazawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

In the autumn, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yokohama in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Kanazawa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kanazawa. In January, Yokohama is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 6°C (42°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Yokohama often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Yokohama usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the activities around the city.

Yokohama is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Yokohama gets 161 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 Yokohama. In April, Yokohama usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kanazawa. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Yokohama