Where to Stay in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a fairly big city with a lot to do, so where should you base yourself? We pinpoint the best areas to stay in and suggest some excellent hotels to check out in each of them.

The Basics

There are three areas we think are great for tourists to stay in Kanazawa – near Omicho Market, by Kanazawa Station and in Higashi Chaya.

Here’s a brief summary of each – but read on to find out more about each area and our choice of hotels in each of them.

Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Area 1. Near Omicho Market

Fantastic For: Foodies. Walking distance to everything. Great transport links.

Why I Recommend It

This is where I chose to base myself in Kanazawa, and, after spending three days there on my last trip, I think it’s the best place for tourists to stay. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city, but also surrounded by everything you need if you’re too tired at night to go far for dinner.

It’s an easy 20-minute walk to both Higashi Chaya and the Nagamachi Samurai district – and just another ten minutes will take you to the fantastic Ninja Temple.

If you don’t feel like walking, it’s well served with buses to get everywhere else you want to go.

For me, though, its main selling point was having Omicho Market on my doorstep, so I could have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner of fresh sushi if I wanted to. However, I soon discovered that the side streets around here also hide some fantastic local restaurants, including Aburaya, where I had one of my favourite meals in Japan.

The main downside is the walk from the station if you have large luggage. It’s a bit too short to feel like you can take a taxi. The other option would be to ship your luggage. I had sent my bag from Takayama the afternoon before, and it arrived at the hotel exactly as I did. Some of the hotels are also located alongside the busy road.

Great Hotels Near Omicho Market

If this sounds like the right area for you, here are our top three hotels in the area.

Overall Top Choice: Hotel Forza

I stayed here, and it’s a fabulous hotel. Of all the hotels listed here, I think it wins for the perfect mix of location, price and amenities.

My basic double room, at 18 sq metres, was a bit bigger than usual for Japan and even had a small sofa. Gizmos, like vibrating massage cushions, were also a nice touch—and my back rather liked them after a day’s walking.

I also really liked the complimentary welcome wine or sake you get when you check in. I spent my first evening catching up on some washing and enjoying a sake in the reception while it spun!

It was also extremely affordable (I paid just over 9000 yen a night in May 2024). The price is a little higher than that today, but still one of the cheaper hotels in this area. I had to reassure someone in one of the Japan Facebook groups recently that the price wasn’t too good to be true, as she couldn’t believe how little she was paying.

My room was a standard double, but they also have rooms measuring over 30 square metres that can sleep three or four with two double beds. Despite the hotel being on the main road, my room overlooked a quiet courtyard – do watch the blackout blinds though. I overslept one morning as no light came in at all with them down!

Accessibility: Elevator access to all floors, wheelchair-accessible rooms in the Universal Double category.

Smoking Policy: All Non-Smoking.

2. Sumiyoshiya

If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese room on a budget (economy rooms are listed for as little as 7200 yen a night), Sumiyoshiya must be on your radar.

Just steps from the Omicho Market, this ryokan offers rooms with futon beds and tatami mat flooring. A traditional Japanese breakfast is provided, and dinner can also be provided if you’d like the full ryokan experience.

Rooms have their own toilet, but the bath is a shared onsen-style bath for the basic rooms. The larger rooms with a full bathroom sell out fast, so book early if you’d like one of these.

People rave about how friendly the lady who runs it is and the atmospheric and authentic experience.

Accessibility: Limited. Upper rooms are only accessible by stairs.

Smoking Policy: Non-smoking property.

3. The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa

One of the newer hotels in Kanazawa, Hotel Sanraku Kanzawa, opened only in 2022. This 5-star property, located 5 minutes’ walk from the market, is praised for its exceptional service and pretty garden surroundings.

The spacious rooms can sleep up to three people in three single beds (rooms with a bedshare for one child are also available). They also have connecting rooms.

If you judge a hotel by its breakfast, this one is many people’s favourite! Make sure you pick a room rate that includes it to see what all the fuss is about!

Accessibility: Upper floors are accessible by elevator.

Smoking Policy: Non-smoking property.

Area 2: Near Kanazawa Station

Great for: Short visits. Day Trippers. Bus connections.

Why I Recommend It

This is where you’ll find the biggest cluster of hotels in Kanazawa, including most of the big chains. You’ll find something here for all budgets.

The benefits of staying here are proximity to transport – it’s great if you’re going to take day trips to Shirakawa-go or Takayama on your trip, as the bus station is also located here. It’s also good if you only have a short time in the city, as you can just drop your bags and get sightseeing.

And once you’re done for the day, there are plenty of places to eat around the station. You could even try to decide which of the two local favourites, Ramen Tiaga and Ramen Tatsu, you think is best.

However, there are a couple of reasons why the station area didn’t make our top location spot. It’s a little further to walk to most of the sites, although Kanazawa has excellent bus service – especially the easy to use Loop Service. Many buses will start or finish at the station which is handy if you’re staying here. IC cards are not accepted on most buses in Kanazawa but, you can buy a daily bus pass from the booth at the station to get you around with less hassle.

It can also feel slightly less atmospheric than some other areas. The road layout, with the buses coming and going and the station traffic, is a bit congested and confusing. The hotel reviews are also kind of mixed around here.

Great Hotels Near Kanazawa Station

If you decide this is the best option for you, these are two good hotels to consider

1. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

The Hotel Nikko Kanazawa is located right opposite Kanazawa Station. However, the rooms in this multi-storey hotel start on Floor 17 (and go up to Floor 30), meaning you’re isolated from street or train noise. The views over the city are amazing.

Basic rooms start at a comfy 22 square metres, but if you’d like more space, they offer rooms of up to 44 square metres, while the suite is a whopping 64 square metres! Saying that, though, beds aren’t huge, so this would be better for couples who like their space than for families.

Accessibility: State facilities for disabled guests, but no further information found easily on their website or booking.com.

Smoking Policy: Non-smoking property.

2. ANA Crowne Plaza

You can’t get much closer to the station than this – it’s just a 3-minute walk away, which many tired travelers are incredibly thankful for in the reviews.

Once inside, you’ll be greeted by light, bright rooms measuring from 17 square metres, many with great views over the area. If you need more space look at the Premium category rooms (33 sqm) or Deluxe at 43 sqm.

There’s also a massage service on site if you need a bit of TLC!

Admittedly, some of the reviews do say it needs a bit of a refresh (although rooms on the higher floors have been renovated), but the price reflects that. It’s on the lower-priced end of the full-service hotels on our list.

Accessibility: According to the Crowne Plaza website, this hotel has fully wheelchair accessible guest rooms and ADA-compliant rooms and access routes.

Smoking Policy: Non-smoking property.

Area 3. Higashi Chaya

Best For: Atmosphere

Why I Recommend It

There aren’t many hotels in this old area of Kanazawa, but if you’re looking for atmosphere, it’s the place to be.

Staying here overnight will allow you to absorb the peace and beautiful winding alleyways of this traditional part of town before and after the day trippers leave.

The hotels here tend to be in older traditional buildings. They’re small with personal service and a lot of history behind them.

The downside of staying in Higashi Chaya is that you’re a little bit further away from the station and the other attractions, but Kanazawa’s excellent bus service will get you everywhere you need to go.

The area will also quieten down after 5 p.m., when most shops close. This adds to the special feeling of staying here, but note that many restaurants, particularly the budget ones, will also close early. If you’re dining on a budget, plan your evening carefully so you don’t miss out.

Great Hotels in Higashi Chaya

Where to look if you want to stay in Higashi Chaya.

1. Kototoki

This old Japanese-style inn is housed in an old teahouse – and tea ceremonies are still offered on the ground floor.

Inside, you’ll find traditional furnishings like tatami mat floors and futon beds in large open rooms. The rooms are huge for a couple, and if you’re traveling with a family, they can sleep up to six on futon-style beds.

The toilet is shared, although some rooms have a private shower and sink. The family rooms have a fridge and a kettle. Rooms can also have a balcony.

Accessibility: Rooms are on the upper floors, which are only accessed by stairs.

Smoking Policy: No smoking in the building, or outside (except in designated smoking areas), due to fire regulations in Higashi Chaya.

2. Utaimachi

This traditional ryokan is very popular, possibly because of that Exceptional rating, so make sure you book early. It combines traditional Japanese design with modern touches like air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Two of the three rooms sleep up to four people, the third is only for three, but they’re all incredibly spacious. They even have a washing machine in the room – which, depending where you are on your trip might be very convenient indeed. There’s also a small kitchen – although considering everyone raves about the breakfast you might not get to use it.

Rooms are large, up to 38 square metres and divided into different areas, adding extra privacy.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in your own Japanese home, without having to use Airbnb, this will come pretty close.

Accessibility: One room is on the ground floor, but contact the property directly for more specific details.

Smoking Policy: Non-Smoking

3. Kanazawa Guesthouse Stella

Located just outside Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa Guesthouse Stella is in a traditional old Japanese building.

It’s no-frills, but for the price and the location, you won’t beat it. It’s amazing value for solo travellers (rooms can cost as little as 4200 yen a night), but it also has family rooms that can sleep up to six with bunk beds.

Bathrooms are shared. There is also a small kitchen and shared lounge area where you can relax and potentially meet other travelers.

Accessibility: Not accessible.

Smoking Policy: Non-smoking property.

Our Choices By Budget

It’s hard to give a list of specific hotel prices as they vary considerably by date, number of people, type of room, but if budget matters, here’s how our hotels compare generally in price, from most expensive to least

General Hotel Planning Tips for Kanazawa

Make the Most of Luggage Forwarding: Especially if you’re coming from somewhere nearby like Takayama (your bag will arrive quickly), or, if you’re stopping off at Shirakawa-go on the way to Kanazawa as luggage storage space here is limited. It will also make arrival at Higashi Chaya hotels much easier as you won’t need to navigate day-time crowds with a bag.

Late Arrivals: Smaller hotels like ryokan may have a set arrival time, especially if you’re having dinner at the property or a curfew for late arrivals. Make sure you know when someone will be at check-in.

Booking Timing: Smaller hotels in Japan may not open booking until 3-6 months before the date you want to stay. The bigger chains will take bookings much earlier. Reserve well ahead for peak seasons like Cherry blossom season or Golden Week.

Other Dates to Watch: Kanazawa’s Hyakumangoku Festival is a 3-day event consisting of parades and drumming that happens in early June. It will increase crowds and hotel prices. Book early if you’re travelling at this time.

And there you have it, our guide on where to stay in Kanazawa. If you haven’t planned your itinerary fully yet, also take a look at our guide on how many days you might need in Kanazawa to make sure you allow enough time to see and do everything you want to.

Sharing is caring!