Travel Budget for Kanazawa Visit Kanazawa on a Budget or Travel in Style

Kanazawa, Ishikawa-ken, Japan

Kanazawa is a well-preserved city known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Kanazawa, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Kanazawa?

You should plan to spend around $130 (¥19,408) per day on your vacation in Kanazawa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $57 (¥8,527) on meals
  • $9.54 (¥1,429) on local transportation
  • $131 (¥19,588) on hotels

A one week trip to Kanazawa for two people costs, on average, $1,814 (¥271,712). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $130
    ¥19,408
  • One Week Per person
    $907
    ¥135,856
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,814
    ¥271,712
  • One Month Per person
    $3,888
    ¥582,240
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,814
    ¥271,712
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,628
    ¥543,424
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,775
    ¥1,164,480
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kanazawa cost?

A one week trip to Kanazawa usually costs around $907 (¥135,856) for one person and $1,814 (¥271,712) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Kanazawa on average costs around $1,814 (¥271,712) for one person and $3,628 (¥543,424) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kanazawa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Kanazawa on average costs around $3,888 (¥582,240) for one person and $7,775 (¥1,164,480) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Kanazawa expensive to visit?

Kanazawa is a popular city that appeals to many visitors, featuring an array of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Kanazawa can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $55 (¥8,419) per day, mid-range travelers spend $127 (¥19,408) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $250 (¥38,139) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kanazawa.

Within Asia, Kanazawa is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Kanazawa is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kanazawa Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Kanazawa?

The average Kanazawa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kanazawa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kanazawa cost?

Kanazawa on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$28
(¥4,212)
$65
(¥9,794)
$132
(¥19,777)
Local Transportation 1 $4
(¥625)
$10
(¥1,429)
$18
(¥2,730)
Food 2 $25
(¥3,730)
$57
(¥8,527)
$109
(¥16,293)
Entertainment 1 $4
(¥656)
$10
(¥1,493)
$19
(¥2,816)
Alcohol 2 $3-8
(¥406-1,219)
$6-19
(¥929-2,786)
$12-36
(¥1,774-5,323)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Kanazawa cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $55 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Luckily, Kanazawa offers plenty of hostels, including Guest House Pongyi, K's House Kanazawa - Travelers Hostel, and SHARIN Kanazawa Traveler's Inn. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. Visitors to Kanazawa often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Kanazawa wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $127 per person, per day.

Kanazawa offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel is an excellent choice, while Hotel Pacific Kanazawa is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Kanazawa.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $250. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Kanazawa Full Day Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Kanazawa

In Kanazawa, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $105 and peak summer season rising to an average of $196. Prices typically range from $34 to $692, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Kanazawa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $131 (¥19,588). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (¥9,794) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $65
    ¥9,794
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $131
    ¥19,588

Hotels in Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Kanazawa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Kanazawa

The average hotel room price in Kanazawa based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $105 in the low season and $196 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kanazawa include:

  • Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku starting at $96
  • Hotel Nikko Kanazawa starting at $74
  • Hotel MyStays Premier Kanazawa starting at $39
  • Hotel Trusty Kanazawa Korinbo starting at $25
  • Via Inn Kanazawa starting at $31
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Kanazawa

Kanazawa's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the city, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.

If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.

Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Kanazawa, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.

The city's historic old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they often feature a lot of character and a prime location for easy access to attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Kanazawa

Kanazawa's public transit system connects to several major sights. 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. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.

Visitors who like to stroll and explore will truly enjoy their time here. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $9.54 (¥1,429) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kanazawa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kanazawa is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $9.54
    ¥1,429

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.

In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private transfer Kanazawa to Takayama Including Shirakawago for $278 details
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer for $260 details
  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer for $325 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Kanazawa
How much does it cost to go to Kanazawa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Kanazawa
The price of renting a car in Kanazawa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Kanazawa

The culinary delights in Kanazawa are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. 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).

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Kanazawa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kanazawa is $57 (¥8,527) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $57
    ¥8,527

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kanazawa is around $56 (¥8527) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $107. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Kanazawa are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $17
  • Lunch: $8 to $22
  • Dinner: $17 to $39
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $8

Kanazawa cuisine is renowned throughout Japan, especially the seafood, as the city lies in a spot where hot south and cold north currents meet in the Sea of Japan. Sushi, of course, is a popular item year round, while crab dishes like snow crab and kobako crab are staples in the winter. Jibuni is a local soy sauce-based dish that incorporates seasoned duck and vegetables, Kanazawa curry and rice is served with tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and shredded cabbage, and Kabura-zushi is a kind of sushi cake made with cured yellowtail, carrots and seaweed between thin sliced turnips. As far as dessert goes, fuku-ume is a specialty for the New Year-with flavors and textures of thin rice wafer and red bean jam. It has a Japanese apricot shape as the fruit is a symbol for any favorable occasion. And of course, there is Japanese sake-an alcoholic beverage made from water and rice. Since Kanazawa is capital of the Ishikawa prefecture (known for its rice production), the city has a locally made selection known for its flavors and varieties.

Food in Kanazawa

Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Kanazawa, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes for $84 details
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson for $83 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kanazawa

It's no wonder that tourists flock to Kanazawa, as it is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kanazawa typically cost an average of $9.97 (¥1,493) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $9.97
    ¥1,493

One of the most famous sights in Kanazawa is the Kenroku-en Garden. As the historic pleasure garden of the Maeda Lords, the place represents one of the peaks of Japanese strolling garden design. There are a number of beautiful streams and ponds as well as the Seisonkaku Villa, which, though only part remains, stands as an example of daimyo palace architecture. The Kanazawa Castle Site is another important location. Now a public space with a number of traditional buildings (dating back over 400 years), the site has been under reconstruction. It is located near the Nagamachi Samurai District (more on that under Neighborhoods).

Temples and shrines are also abundant throughout the city. The Ninja Temple, for example, is named so for its impressive array of defensive features like hidden tunnels, secret rooms, traps, and a labyrinth of corridors and staircases. Oyama Shrine is another important site, dedicated to the former local lord Maeda Toshiie. It is known for its unique gate with stained-glass windows that fuse elements of eastern and western cultures.



Kanazawa is a place to get lost in history and culture. Once you've explored the historic sites, gardens, temples and markets, there is yet more to be seen in the city's museums. If you want to take a step back into the modern world, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. One of Japan's most popular art museums, it exhibits works of acclaimed contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is another popular attraction, commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro, a prominent Buddhist philosopher. Other museums include Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, Morihachi Sweets Shop and Wooden Mold museum, and the Kanazawa Museum of Modern Literature.

Beyond all this, Kanazawa also holds annual festivals and events, like fireworks in the summer by the river bank. Others include the Asanogawa Riverside Garden Party amongst the cherry blossoms of April, as well as the Hyakuman-goku Festival held in the first weekend of June. The city's largest festival, it celebrates the entry of Lord Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga Domain, into Kanazawa Castle in 1583 and the following 3 centuries of prosperity. Festivities include a Saturday parade, folk dancing competition, public tea ceremony, and a children's lantern parade.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in KanazawaKanazawa is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. 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.

Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. 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.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kanazawa. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa) for $172 details
  • Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour for $55 details
  • Private Tour of Shirakawago from Kanazawa (Half Day) for $230 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Kanazawa

Kanazawa does have some nightlife activities, but it doesn't compare to the excitement found in more popular destinations. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $12 (¥1,857) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kanazawa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $12
    ¥1,857
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Kanazawa. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Nishide Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour and Sake Tasting for $74 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Kanazawa

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of summer. To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Opting for a slower travel pace can help you keep your budget in check while enjoying the scenic beauty. If you overbook your days with activities, you'll find yourself spending more. But taking your time often results in lower costs and a more fulfilling experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're journeying with small children, you'll likely prefer a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be a lot easier to bypass the difficulties of public transit, though it will cost you a little more.
Traveling in Kanazawa
Kanazawa Kanazawa, Japan

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Throughout Kanazawa, there are a number of districts important to the city's history and culture. Some of these include the city's three Chaya (or teahouse) districts, where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance at the Chaya restaurants. Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District) and Kazuemachi are Kanazawa's preserved Chaya districts. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest and most interesting of the three with two Chaya open to the public (Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse), as well as many cafes and shops, including one that specializes in gold leaf. Nagamachi is another important district where the samurai used to live. One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous. And then there is the Omicho Market, a network of covered streets lined by about 200 shops and stalls. In addition to fresh seafood and produce, there are many other items on sale from clothing to kitchen tools, as well as great places to have lunch just outside.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.