Hotels in Kanazawa

Kanazawa: A Tapestry of Timeless Gardens and Cultural Treasures

Discover the enchanting beauty of Kanazawa, Japan, a cultural gem in Ishikawa Prefecture. Renowned for its stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, this city seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Explore the majestic Kanazawa Castle and wander through the historic Higashi Chaya District, where tea houses transport you back in time. Art lovers will delight in the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, while the vibrant markets offer a taste of local delicacies. With its serene temples, picturesque landscapes, and rich heritage, Kanazawa promises an unforgettable journey into Japan’s elegant past. For our best hotel rates in Kanazawa and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Kanazawa

Some of the best places to stay in Kanazawa are Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashiyama and Yuwaku Onsen. Kanazawa offers rich experiences for travellers, with the Nagamachi Samurai District showcasing Japan’s samurai heritage, Higashiyama presenting traditional tea houses and temples, and Yuwaku Onsen providing a relaxing hot spring retreat. Accommodation in these areas ranges from cozy guest houses to charming ryokans, ensuring a comfortable stay. For first-time visitors, Higashiyama is ideal, as it encapsulates Kanazawa’s cultural essence beautifully, making it a perfect base for exploration. Here are some of the most popular hotels with our guests in Kanazawa:

1. Nagamachi Samurai DistrictOpens in a new window: This historic district offers a glimpse into Japan's samurai heritage, featuring traditional houses and narrow streets. It’s ideally located near key attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, making it a perfect base for culture enthusiasts. For accommodation, consider ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa by IHGOpens in a new window, a 4-star hotel suitable for business travellers, featuring multiple meeting rooms and conference space. Hotel Nikko KanazawaOpens in a new window, another 4-star option, offers a restaurant and coffee shop, along with entertainment amenities like digital TV. Kanazawa New Grand Hotel PremierOpens in a new window is also a solid choice for families, providing child-friendly services and facilities.
2. HigashiyamaOpens in a new window: Known for its charming streets and traditional teahouses, Higashiyama is a cultural gem that’s close to beautiful natural sites like Kenrokuen Garden. Staying here puts you in the heart of Kanazawa’s historical district. Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel SanrakuOpens in a new window is a 4-star hotel featuring a natural hot spring and wellness amenities, perfect for relaxation. Machiya Kanazawa KikunoyaOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star guesthouse, offers modern entertainment options and is well-situated for exploring the city. THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWAOpens in a new window, another 4-star hotel, provides various dining options and is equipped with modern entertainment facilities.
3. Yuwaku OnsenOpens in a new window: This area is renowned for its soothing hot springs and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for visitors looking to unwind. With attractions like Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle nearby, it offers both relaxation and cultural exploration. Satoyama Auberge & Hot Spring Wellness Spa Sakuragaike KuagardenOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel that features both indoor and outdoor hot spring facilities, along with a full-service spa for a luxurious experience. Yuyaruru SaisaiOpens in a new window, another 3.5-star guesthouse, caters to business travellers with conference spaces and meeting rooms. Yuzuya Ryokan Kanazawa RyokusoneOpens in a new window also offers a comfortable stay with free breakfast and a restaurant, alongside nearby local amenities.

Things to do in Kanazawa for first times

A trip to Kanazawa offers a perfect blend of serene gardens, historic temples, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through lush parks, explore scenic coastal areas, and hike in nearby mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Kanazawa:

• Day 1: Begin your exploration at the serene Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated gardens, where you can stroll through beautifully landscaped paths and admire seasonal flowers. Next, make your way to the Terashima Kurando Samurai Villa, where you can immerse yourself in the historical ambiance of samurai culture and architecture. Afterward, visit Oyama Shrine, a tranquil spot known for its striking architecture and picturesque surroundings, offering a perfect place to reflect on the day's adventures.
• Day 2: Your day starts at the majestic Kanazawa Castle, where you can take in the impressive architecture and learn about its historical significance. Following your castle visit, head to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, which showcases a variety of artworks, including pieces that highlight local culture. Wrap up your day at the Ohi Pottery Museum, where you can discover the art of traditional pottery and even participate in hands-on experiences.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its innovative exhibits and striking architecture that challenge conventional art forms. Continue to the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, where you can marvel at the intricate gold leaf craft that Kanazawa is famous for and perhaps try your hand at gold leaf application. Finally, unwind in the scenic Kanazawa Castle Park, a perfect spot to relax amidst nature and reflect on your enriching journey through this beautiful city.

4 tips to find a great Kanazawa hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable times to visit Kanazawa are in January, February, and June, when hotel prices are at their lowest. Domestic travellers should aim to book their flights at least one month in advance for the best deals, while international travellers can save more by booking at least three months ahead. To truly appreciate the city’s highlights, a budget-friendly stay of at least 1-2 days is recommended. Notable attractions in Kanazawa include its beautiful gardens, the historic castle, and various museums, all offering great value for money for those exploring on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Kanazawa, checking out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com can be a great start. You might find affordable rates on hotels as your travel date approaches. To enhance your chances of landing cheap hotels, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you could stay informed about flash sales and special last-minute promotions, helping you seize any opportunities to save on your trip to Kanazawa.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices may fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates could mean you may save on hotel expenses in Kanazawa.
4. Consider your location: When making a reservation on Hotels.com for your holiday, take your location into account. Staying closer to major attractions or city centres can offer convenience, but it often tends to come at a higher price. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighbourhoods, striking a balance between cost and accessibility to the sights you intend to visit.

Best time to go to Kanazawa

Kanazawa experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 36.5°F (2.5°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 79.2°F (26.2°C). July is usually the wettest month. April, August, and September are the peak travel months in Kanazawa, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light to moderate rainfall. On the other hand, May, November, and December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.