Kyoto vs Kanazawa: Which City Should You Visit?
Few cities embody Japan’s cultural heart quite like Kyoto. With over a thousand temples, centuries-old craft workshops, and a food culture honed over generations, it has long been considered the country’s most essential destination. But with popularity comes pressure.
In recent years, record numbers of international visitors have meant crowded temple paths and booked-out hotels. For those looking to experience a quieter alternative, Kanazawa, often dubbed “Little Kyoto”, offers a rich mix of tradition, gardens, and contemporary art.
So, if you only have time for one, which should it be? Having travelled extensively in both, here’s how the two compare across key categories.
Accessibility & Getting Around — Winner: Kyoto
Kyoto sits on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, a smooth two-hour ride from Tokyo or less than one hour from Osaka. Once there, local buses, subways, and taxis cover the city comprehensively, while many of its historic districts, like Gion or Higashiyama, are best explored on foot. Cycling is another option, with rental shops scattered throughout the city.
Kanazawa, requires just a little more effort. The Hokuriku Shinkansen has made the city far more accessible in recent years (around 2.5 hours from Tokyo), but connections from Osaka or Kyoto itself involve slower limited express trains (and a recent change at Tsuruga Station due to train line construction). Within Kanazawa, transport is efficient but more limited: loop buses connect key attractions, though you may find yourself walking longer distances.
Culture, Crafts & Living Traditions — Winner: Tie (edge Kyoto)
Both cities are powerhouses of Japanese craft and tradition. Kyoto has a depth that is unmatchedl; textiles, tea ceremony, lacquerware, and ceramics all have deep roots here, with family-run workshops continuing centuries-old techniques. Nishijin weaving and Kyo-yuzen dyeing remain among the country’s most respected textile traditions, while tea culture thrives in Uji just south of the city.
Kanazawa’s heritage is no less compelling. The Nagamachi samurai district and the geisha teahouses of Higashi Chaya provide living links to the Edo period. The city is synonymous with gold leaf production (over 90% of Japan’s supply comes from here) and the refined art of Kaga-yuzen silk dyeing. Visiting a studio here feels more intimate, with smaller crowds and artisans eager to share their process.
Discover all our craft stories here.
Museums & Galleries — Winner: Kanazawa
Kyoto’s museums are varied but scattered, think small craft-focused collections or national museums that, while excellent, can feel overshadowed by the city’s living heritage.
Kanazawa, on the other hand, has carved a niche as one of Japan’s most forward-thinking museum cities. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is the star, with rotating exhibitions and immersive installations that rival the world’s best. The D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the Zen philosopher, offers a contemplative architectural experience as much as an educational one. Together, they give Kanazawa a sharper, more curated cultural edge.
See also: The Ultimate 14 Day Japan Itinerary for Art Lovers.
Experiences & Day Trips — Winner: Kyoto
Kyoto excels in the richness and diversity of experiences. You might begin the day with a private tea ceremony in a tatami-lined townhouse, spend the afternoon cycling along the Katsura River, and end with meditation in a Zen temple. Hands-on craft workshops, temple stays, and food tours add layers of immersion. Beyond the city, day trips to Uji for tea, Nara for temples, or Kurama for hiking are easily woven into an itinerary.
Kanazawa offers memorable excursions too. Kaga Onsen’s hot springs and the rugged Noto Peninsula make worthwhile trips, but the scope and variety can’t match Kyoto’s.
Accommodation — Winner: Kyoto
Accommodation is where Kyoto leaves Kanazawa far behind. The city has one of Japan’s most sophisticated hospitality scenes, from luxury ryokan like Hoshinoya Kyoto and Roku Kyoto to contemporary design stays such as Maana Kiyomizu and Maana Kamo. Boutique hotels, restored machiya townhouses, and international luxury properties offer choice at every level.
Kanazawa’s options are improving, there are stylish boutique hotels and ryokan dotted around the city, but the breadth and calibre of Kyoto’s stays make it one of the best cities in the country for accommodation.
See also: 7 Design Hotels for Your Next Trip to Japan.
Itinerary Fit & Route Planning — Winner: Kyoto
Kyoto sits firmly on Japan’s “Golden Route” and is easy to integrate into almost any itinerary. A trip combining Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is the default first-timer’s experience, with smooth connections by rail. The city also pairs naturally with day trips to Nara, Uji, or Wakayama.
Kanazawa works better for return visitors who want to dig deeper. It pairs beautifully with Toyama, the Japanese Alps, or Shirakawa-go, but is less central for first-time visitors with limited days.
For detailed planning, see our Nature Lover’s Guide to the Japanese Alps or our guide to Shirakawa-go.
Discover the Views from Japan Planning Sessions – The fastest way to plan a trip to Japan, guaranteed.
Crowds, Pace & Trip Planning — Winner: Kanazawa
This is where Kanazawa shines. While Kyoto is magical, its popularity means busy streets, timed-entry systems, and booked-out hotels during peak seasons. It’s still possible to sidestep the crowds. See our guide on How to Beat the Crowds in Japan, but it requires planning.
Kanazawa, by contrast, offers a more relaxed pace. Wandering through the samurai district or along the Asanogawa River rarely feels rushed, and even marquee sites like Kenrokuen Garden allow for moments of quiet reflection.
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The Verdict — Overall Winner: Kyoto
Both cities deliver on Japan’s promise of heritage, culture, and meaningful experiences. Kanazawa excels in museums, slower days, and hands-on encounters with artisans. It’s an excellent choice for travellers seeking a more intimate counterpoint to Japan’s major cities.
Yet Kyoto remains the ultimate destination. Its density of world-class experiences, —from tea ceremonies and centuries-old crafts to luxury ryokan and easy day trips, make it unmatched. Despite the crowds, no other city offers the same depth of history, living traditions, and creative energy in one place.
If time allows, visit both. But if you must choose, Kyoto is still the city that defines the Japan experience.
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Introducing the Views from Japan: Kyoto Edition
We are proud to announce the Views from Japan: Kyoto Edition, a brand new digital guide packed with 101 carefully curated experiences across Japan’s cultural capital. From overlooked temples and hidden gardens, to contemporary galleries and design-forward hotels, this guide is designed for culturally curious travellers looking to experience Kyoto far beyond the tourist trail. This eBook features over 130 pages, filled with unique architectural spaces, serene shrines, neighbourhood walks, manageable day trips, practical resources and so much more.
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