KanazawavsTakayama
Can't decide between Kanazawa and Takayama? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is Japan's best-preserved Edo-period city, home to one of the country's three great gardens—Kenroku-en. This cultural gem offers geisha districts, samurai houses, gold leaf crafts, and excellent fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Known for
Takayama
Takayama is a beautifully preserved Edo-period town in the Japanese Alps. This "Little Kyoto" offers traditional merchant houses, morning markets, sake breweries, and Hida beef—all surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and access to Shirakawa-go.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Kanazawa offers Kenroku-en Garden, Higashi Chaya Geisha District, Kanazawa Castle
Takayama offers Old Town (Sanmachi Suji), Morning Markets, Sake Brewery Tours
Food & Dining
Kanazawa is famous for its local dining scene
Takayama is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Kanazawa offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Takayama offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
March to May, October to November
April to May, October to November
Weather
Summer: 27°C, Winter: 4°C
Summer: 25°C, Winter: -2°C
Top Attractions in Kanazawa
- 1Kenroku-en Garden
- 2Higashi Chaya Geisha District
- 3Kanazawa Castle
- 4Omicho Market
- 521st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- 6Gold Leaf Workshops
Top Attractions in Takayama
- 1Old Town (Sanmachi Suji)
- 2Morning Markets
- 3Sake Brewery Tours
- 4Hida Beef
- 5Takayama Festival
- 6Shirakawa-go Day Trip
Kanazawa is Popular With
Takayama is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Kanazawa
- 1
Oyama Shrine
A unique Shinto shrine featuring a stained glass window in its gate tower, blending Japanese and European architectural elements.
- 2
Nishi Chaya District
The smallest and quietest of Kanazawa's three geisha districts, with only two teahouses remaining but authentic atmosphere.
Hidden Gems in Takayama
- 1
Kusakabe Heritage House
A stunning merchant's home in the old town, designated a National Treasure.
- 2
Sakurayama Nikkokan
A unique museum next to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine displaying incredibly detailed 1/10th scale replicas of Nikko's Toshogu Shrine.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya District
Kanazawa's largest and most atmospheric geisha district, with two-story wooden teahouses featuring distinctive lattice windows.
Nagamachi Samurai District
A quiet neighborhood of narrow lanes, earthen walls, and water canals that once housed middle-ranking samurai.
Top Areas in Takayama
Sanmachi Suji (Old Town)
The historic heart of Takayama, comprising three main streets (Ichino-machi, Nino-machi, Sanno-machi) lined with dark wooden merchant houses from the Edo period.
Miyagawa River & Morning Market Area
A vibrant, scenic area centered on the crystal-clear Miyagawa River, crossed by iconic red bridges like the Nakabashi.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Kanazawa
Budget in Takayama
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Kanazawa
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Takayama
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Kanazawa
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Find cheap transport to Takayama
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Our Verdict
Both Kanazawa and Takayama are incredible destinations. Kanazawa excels in Kenroku-en garden and geisha districts, while Takayama stands out for preserved old town and Hida beef.
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