Kanazawa vs Kyoto: Which Cultural City Should You Visit in Japan?
Author
Anvie Shrivastava
Updated Date
October 13, 2025
Read
5 minutes

Travellers who plan their trip to Japan usually encounter the age-old dilemma: Kanazawa vs Kyoto, which city to go first? These two are classic cities in Japanese culture, although their moods are extremely contrasting. Kyoto temples and shrines take the limelight of guide books, and the Kanazawa cultural attractions glimmer with a quieter authenticity of the Edo-period, samurai heritage and craftsmanship. This Kanazawa vs Kyoto travel guide will make a comparison of the two destinations in terms of culture, places to visit, itineraries, prices and even crowds.
Kanazawa or Kyoto: Which is Better for Travellers?

Kyoto: It is one of the best places to visit in Japan for first-time tourists. Get ready to see such iconic views as Fushimi Inari Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama bamboo forest, and inexhaustible shrines. A cultural metropolis that is ideal for 2-4+ days.
Kanazawa: This is a good option for short stays and for those who want to witness the craftsmen and avoid crowds. Take a more leisurely and personal tour of Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya Kanazawa.
Note: You can combine both destinations smoothly from Kanazawa to the Thunderbird Kyoto train connects the cities in a time of~2h.
Kanazawa vs Kyoto Comparison Snapshot
Criteria | Kanazawa | Kyoto |
Authenticity and culture | Edo-period Japan is preserved in samurai houses, gold leaf workshops, and intimate geisha culture. | Kyoto temples and shrines galore; Gion’s geisha scene; a cultural epicentre. |
Must-See Attractions | Kenrokuen Garden, Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashi Chaya, 21st Century Museum, Omicho Market. | Fushimi Inari Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion district. |
Best For | 1–2 days, slower pace, artisans, crowd-avoiders | First-timers, temple collectors, festival seekers. |
Typical costs | Midrange ryokan & hotels, calmer pricing | Wide hotel range, but spikes in sakura/autumn. |
Crowd Levels | Noticeably lower, peaceful. | High crowds, especially during cherry blossoms & foliage |
Transport | Tokyo–Kanazawa Shinkansen (2h30), walkable city. | Hub for Kyoto day trips to Nara, Osaka, Uji. |
Best Season | Spring sakura, autumn colours, peaceful shoulder months. | Sakura in March–April, fiery autumn in Oct–Nov, summer Gion Matsuri. |
Cultural Highlights and Must-See Attractions in Kanazawa vs Kyoto
Top Kanazawa Cultural Attractions
- Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa: This is one of the best landscape gardens in Japan.
- Nagamachi Samurai District: Have a glimpse of the life of samurai during the Edo era.
- Higashi & Nishi Chaya Kanazawa: Preserved geisha teahouses and quiet lanes.
- 21st Century Museum Kanazawa: Modern art contrast
- Omicho Market Kanazawa: Seafood restaurant for local dining.
Famous Kyoto Temples and Shrines
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: Vermilion gates, best at sunrise.
- Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera: Temple on top of a hill.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Magic, however, it is busy during the day.
- Gion Kyoto: Traditional entertainment district with geisha culture.
- Kyoto Imperial Palace & Temples: This is a rich collection of heritage sites.
Practical Travel Guide: How to Visit Kanazawa and Kyoto
Best Time to Visit Kanazawa vs Kyoto
Cherry blossoms (late March–April) are the best time to visit Kyoto and Kanazawa. However, in the Summer, Kyoto is chaotic, and Kanazawa is calmer and peaceful. Both destinations bring a fiery red colour atmosphere in the Autumn.
Where to Stay in Kanazawa and Kyoto
- Kanazawa accommodation guide: Near Kenrokuen Garden or Kanazawa Station.
- Kyoto accommodation guide: Kawaramachi, Gion, Kyoto Station areas.
Travel Between Kanazawa and Kyoto:
- Kanazawa ⇄ Kyoto Thunderbird Express: 2 hours.
Suggested Kanazawa vs Kyoto Itineraries
1-Day Express Itinerary: Kanazawa vs Kyoto
- Kanazawa: Kenrokuen to Nagamachi to Omicho Market to 21st Century Museum to Higashi Chaya.
- Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (midafternoon) to Kiyomizu-dera (afternoon) to Gion at dusk.
2-Day Itinerary for Kanazawa vs Kyoto
- Kanazawa: Day 1 (Kenrokuen & Samurai), Day 2 ( Museum and crafts).
- Kyoto: Day 1 (Fushimi Inari and temples), Day 2 (Arashiyama and Imperial Palace).
3-Day Kanazawa and Kyoto Deep Dive
- Kanazawa: Take Shirakawa-go in Kanazawa.
- Kyoto: Add Kyoto day trips to Nara or Uji (tea culture).
Kanazawa vs Kyoto: Which City Suits Your Travel Style?
For History Lovers: Kanazawa vs Kyoto
- Kanazawa – Best for samurai history with preserved Edo-era samurai houses and authentic districts.
- Kyoto – Ideal for temple enthusiasts, offering UNESCO-listed shrines and centuries of Buddhist culture.
For Foodies: Kanazawa vs Kyoto
- Kanazawa – Seafood paradise with fresh catches at Omicho Market and seasonal regional delicacies.
- Kyoto – Culinary hub of Japan, famous for refined kaiseki dining and street food at Nishiki Market.
For Families: Kanazawa vs Kyoto
- Kanazawa – Compact and walkable, perfect for family trips with kids and easy sightseeing in 1–2 days.
- Kyoto – Offers variety and major attractions, but narrow streets and heavy crowds can be challenging
For Photographers: Kanazawa vs Kyoto
- Kanazawa – Spacious streets, atmospheric samurai districts, and fewer tourists make shooting easier.
- Kyoto – Iconic photography spots like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, though often packed.
For First-Time vs Repeat Travellers
- Kyoto (First-Time Travellers) – A must-visit cultural capital for temples, shrines, and classic Japan experiences.
- Kanazawa (Repeat Travellers) – Perfect for crowd-avoiders and second-time visitors seeking intimacy and Edo charm.
Final Thoughts: Kyoto vs Kanazawa – Which Japanese City Should You Visit?
Between Kanazawa and Kyoto, it is a matter of your mode of travel. Choose Kyoto for temples, shrines and memorable festivals and go to Pick Kanazawa to find peace, artistry and room to breathe. Still undecided? Doing both, the Kanazawa vs Kyoto combo is easy with the Thunderbird rail link. To have a smooth travelling experience in 2025, browse through Pickyourtrail’s best Japan tour packages or Kyoto tour packages. These packages give you a chance to create your own trip that will give you the flair of Kyoto and then the flair of Kanazawa.
FAQs – Kanazawa vs Kyoto Travel Guide
- Is Kanazawa worth visiting compared to Kyoto?
Yes, Kanazawa is a place that serves the culture of the Edo period in Japan, Kenrokuen Garden, and a less congested place, which suits those who perceive Kyoto as too big. - How many days should I spend in Kanazawa vs Kyoto?
Kanazawa is usually 1-2 days, with a Shirakawa-go side trip. Kyoto 2-4+ days, and a day trip to Nara or Uji. - Which is better for cherry blossoms: Kanazawa or Kyoto?
Both blooms are late March-early April. Kyoto cherry blossoms are iconic but busy; Kanazawa cherry blossoms are open in terms of space. - Is Kanazawa less crowded than Kyoto?
Definitely. During sakura or autumn, the Kanazawa crowds are much less than those at Kyoto temples and shrines, where one can find tour groups. - How do I travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto?
Ride on the JR Thunderbird train, a direct scenic ride of approximately 2 hours.
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