City in Ishikawa, Japan
Kanazawa
Compact, walkable castle town on the Sea of Japan with Kenroku-en, geisha districts, craft shops and fresh seafood. Quieter and cheaper than Kyoto; winters are wet and gloomy, and evenings are calm.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,390–2,090Comfortable, one person · ¥220,000–330,000Details
- Value for money68/100Better value than 67% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink; Kanazawa's soft water is used for sake and tea.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–54Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGOVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at the station, chains and big hotels; sushi counters, Omicho market stalls, teahouses and small shops often prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Kanazawa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kanazawa Station area | Shinkansen access, Omicho market, business hotels |
| Korinbo–Katamachi | Central shopping, restaurants and nightlife near Kenroku-en |
| Higashi Chaya district | Geisha-district stays: wooden streets, quieter evenings |
| Nagamachi | Samurai quarter, quiet streets, walkable to Kenroku-en |
Apps that work in Kanazawa
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Main taxi app; limited cars at night |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and easy to hail at the station, but few drivers speak English. No tipping.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at the station, chains and big hotels; sushi counters, Omicho market stalls, teahouses and small shops often prefer cash.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Kanazawa solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.