Where to Stay in Kanazawa For First Timers: My Favorite Hotels & Areas (2026)

Kanazawa is easily one of my favorite “off the beaten path” cities in Japan. When I say off the beaten path, I just mean it’s a little less crowded and intense than Kyoto or Tokyo. It’s definitely not a total secret, but it feels like a breath of fresh air.

I fell in love with Kanazawa for its authentic, traditional vibe. It’s packed with historical Geisha and Samurai districts, a beautiful castle, and some of the best Japanese gardens I’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for a calm, real-deal Japanese experience (which I definitely needed after the chaos of Osaka and Kyoto), this is your spot.

Today, I want to talk about where to stay in Kanazawa. I know how overwhelming Japanese cities can be when you’re looking at a map and everything is huge and there are a million neighborhoods to choose from. 

Luckily, because Kanazawa is fairly compact, figuring out where to base yourself is actually pretty straightforward. I’m going to focus only on a handful of areas I truly recommend so you can spend less time scrolling and more time exploring.

Where to Stay in Kanazawa – My Quick Answer

I know many of you can never be bothered to read through a whole article (I get it!), which is why I’ve put this quick answer right at the top. This is basically my top recommendation based on my own experience.

When it comes to where to stay in Kanazawa, the answer is simple: stay central. Kanazawa is actually one of the few cities in Japan I’ve visited that was completely walkable. I didn’t have to take public transport once, which was so refreshing! It just goes to show how compact the city center really is.

I personally recommend staying in Kamiomicho (This is where I stayed). In my opinion, it’s the most central area, and as long as you base yourself there, you can walk to every single sight and attraction in the city.

As far as hotels go, here are my favorites:

• Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi: This is where I stayed, and I would totally recommend it! It has such a cool mix of modern and traditional vibes (they even served free udon at night which was so unique and amazing!).
• LINNAS Kanazawa: If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, this place is amazing. It has a super cute boutique feel with a shared gym and even a sauna.

Both are incredible options and will put you right in the heart of everything!

Where in Kanazawa I Would Stay Again (Area + Hotel)

I personally stayed a total of three nights in Kanazawa. For two of those nights, I stayed at Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi, and for the last night, I moved over to LINNAS Kanazawa. I honestly have to say, both of them were some of the best hotel experiences I’ve had in Japan so far!

Both hotels are located in Kamiomicho, which is basically the most central part of the city. I was literally just a two-minute walk away from Kanazawa Castle and the Omicho Market, and only about 15 minutes from the famous Higashi Chaya (Geisha) district. It was honestly the perfect home base.

One thing that blew me away was the value for money. I spent so much less here than I did in Tokyo or Kyoto, but I felt like I got so much more for it! I paid around $100 USD a night for Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi and just under $50 USD for LINNAS. Both were such a win.

Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi

I loved that this place had a very traditional vibe. I’m really not a fan of generic business hotels and I love it when my accommodation feels like it’s part of the “theme” of the city. The rooms were surprisingly spacious (which is definitely not a given in Japan!), but the real highlight for me was the complimentary udon noodles every night. It was the perfect late-night snack for me while I was sitting on my laptop working. Literally perfect.

Book Here: Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi

LINNAS Kanazawa

I was honestly shocked by how cheap this place was for what you get. It’s brand new and super vibey, with a shared kitchen, a sauna, and an amazing restaurant. Yes, the rooms were small, but I didn’t care at all because I was paying less than $50 USD. If I ever come back to Kanazawa on a tighter budget, this is 100% where I’ll be staying!

Book Here: Linnas Kanazawa

The Areas in Kanazawa I Enjoyed The Most

1.Kamiomicho (This Is Where I Stayed)

My personal favorite area in Kanazawa is Kamiomicho. It’s not necessarily because it’s the “cutest” or “prettiest” district (though it definitely has its charms), but because it is, in my opinion, the most convenient place to base yourself.

I loved that I had loads of restaurants, cafes, and bars right around the corner from my hotel. I was literally a two-minute walk from the Omicho Market and a two-minute walk from Kanazawa Castle. Even walking from Kanazawa Station was a breeze and it only took me about 15 minutes, which was amazing!

I am huge into exploring a city on foot. I just love when I can leave my hotel and start wandering without having to jump in a taxi or figure out a train line first, so for me, this area was just perfect.

If I ever come back to Kanazawa (which I probably will, I’m already planning my next winter Japan trip!), I’ll definitely stay in Kamiomicho again just because it’s the area that makes the most sense.

The Best Hotels in Kanazawa Kamiomicho Area:

Book Here: Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi

Book Here: Hotel Torifito Kanazawa

Book Here: Linnas Kanazawa

2. Higashiyama (Geisha District)

Higashiyama is the area of Kanazawa where you’ll find the famous Higashi Chaya District. This is the most popular geisha district in the city, and it is honestly so calm and beautiful.

I didn’t stay in this area myself, but I ended up coming here many times because I absolutely love the architecture, the cute little alleyways and the traditional wooden buildings. I spent hours here just walking by the river, doing a little sake tasting, or browsing for gold-leaf souvenirs.

The coolest thing about Higashiyama is that if you choose to stay here, you can actually book a stay in a traditional Ryokan (a traditional Japanese guesthouse). Staying in one of these in such a historic district is definitely a super unique experience and perfect if you want to experience that old-world Japan vibe.

The only reason I wouldn’t necessarily choose to stay here is that it’s a little “decentral” compared to the market area. It’s still within walking distance to other parts of town, but it just takes a bit longer to get everywhere. However, if you want peace, quiet, and a very authentic atmosphere, this is a great shout!

These are my Top Places to Stay in Higashi Chaya District

Book Here: Hotel Utaimachi

Book Here: Hotel Rashiku Kanazawa

3. Kanazawa Station Area

I’m not always a big supporter of staying right next to the main train station. If I’m visiting a city and have two or more full days, I usually prefer to base myself further in the city center just to get a more “authentic” experience.

However, I’ve talked to quite a few people who were only planning to stop in Kanazawa for one full day on their way from Kyoto to Tokyo. In that case, I think staying by the station makes a lot of sense!

When I arrived in Kanazawa, I actually walked from the station to my hotel in the city center, and it only took about 15–20 minutes. So, if I only had one day, I’d definitely stay right by the station. You can check into your hotel, walk straight into the center to see the castle and the Geisha districts, and then the next morning, you just hop straight back on the Shinkansen. It means you don’t have to lug your luggage across town or deal with lockers at the station, it basically makes for the perfect, stress-free Kanazawa day trip!

These Are My Favorite Hotels at Kanazawa Station

Book Here: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Book Here: Blue Hour Kanazawa

4. Katamachi

Last but certainly not least is Katamachi. I didn’t stay in this area myself, but I ended up spending quite a bit of time here for a few reasons. First off, I loved the vibe, it’s a bit quieter in terms of the “tourist rush” since it’s further from the main station, but it’s still full of life with locals.

The main reason I kept coming back here is that the Nagamachi Samurai District is right on its doorstep. As I mentioned earlier, this was my absolute favorite area in the city and honestly, I even preferred it over the famous Higashi Chaya district! 

It’s just so beautiful and peaceful to walk through. Plus, my favorite coffee spot, Moron Cafe, is right here, along with a ton of other great restaurants.

Katamachi is also super well-located right next to Kanazawa Castle Park and the Kenroku-en Garden. You’ve even got the Nishi Chaya District nearby, which is the least crowded of the geisha districts if you want to escape the groups.

All in all, my best advice is to just stay anywhere around the Kanazawa Castle Park perimeter and you’ll be totally fine. Don’t stress too much about the specific street, as long as you’re central, Kanazawa is a dream to explore!

These Are The Best Kanazawa Hotels in Katamachi

Book Here: Hotel Amanek Kanazawa

Book Here: Kaname Inn Tatemachi

FAQs About The Best Hotels in Kanazawa

What are the best places to stay in Kanazawa?

I guess that depends on what you’re looking for, but from my own experience, I can tell you I loved Kamiomicho a lot because it was so central. If you’re looking for recommendations, I thought LINNAS Kanazawa was an amazing value-for-money hotel, and Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi was perfect for a more traditional feel.

What is the best Kanazawa neighbourhood?

I’d say for sure Kamiomicho is the best area. That’s where I stayed and I could literally walk to the Omicho Market and the Kanazawa Castle Park both within 2 minutes, it was ideal!

Is Kanazawa worth visiting?

100%! Kanazawa is much quieter and more “off the beaten path” than the bigger cities. After I spent days in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, I was really looking forward to a more authentic and calm vibe, and Kanazawa delivered exactly that.

What is the best luxury hotel in Kanazawa?

I didn’t stay there myself, but supposedly the Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa is the best 5-star hotel in the city. I myself stayed at Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi, though, which was an amazing 4-star hotel and I totally recommend it if you want luxury without the 5-star price tag.

Final Thoughts on Staying in Kanazawa Japan

Let me wrap this up quickly because I feel like Kanazawa is fairly simple as far as locations and areas go. 

I personally would recommend (and make sure for myself next time!) to just stay anywhere around the Kanazawa Castle Park. That’s the big green area in the center of Kanazawa when you’re looking at a map, staying near it ensures you’re right in the heart of the city.

I stayed in Kamiomicho, which is located right next to the castle heading towards Kanazawa Station. I honestly couldn’t have had a better location. I was able to walk to all the sights, and there were loads of shops and restaurants right there. It was perfect!

I hope this little guide on where to stay in Kanazawa helps you find an area and a hotel that you’ll love just as much as I did.

Check Out My Other Kanazawa Guides

How Many Days in Kanazawa: A Day to Day Guide

The Best Time to Visit Kanazawa: My Favorite Season of the Year

Best Cafes in Kanazawa: My Favorite Coffee Shops in Kanazawa

Best Food in Kanazawa: My Number One Restaurants in Kanazawa

Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

2 Days in Kanazawa Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Kanazawa

Where to Stay in Kanazawa: My Favorite Areas & Hotels I Stayed At

Things to Do in Kanazawa: Activities in Kanazawa I Enjoyed the Most

Check Out My Other Japan Travel Guides

Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan

Best eSIM for Japan: My Honest Comparison

Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Is Japan Expensive to Visit? Japan Budget Guide

7 Days in Japan Itinerary: How I Spent 1 Week in Japan