A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Kanazawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Kanazawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Kanazawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Beijing travel costs.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Beijing and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Kanazawa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Kanazawa. Beijing is bigger than Kanazawa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights. Beijing is more touristy than Kanazawa and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Beijing different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kanazawa and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Kanazawa?

Beijing is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kanazawa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is great for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Beijing for the nightlife scene. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa offers a nice historic old town area. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Kanazawa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kanazawa and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa More Beautiful?

Beijing is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Kanazawa are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Kanazawa are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Kanazawa is a nice destination for couples. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Beijing is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Beijing is fairly effecient and thorough. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Beijing or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beijing or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

Couples should spend more time in Beijing than Kanazawa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beijing that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Kanazawa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Kanazawa?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Kanazawa?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kanazawa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Kanazawa?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Kanazawa?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Beijing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Kanazawa?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Kanazawa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Kanazawa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Kanazawa. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Kanazawa. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. The weather in Beijing can be very cold. Beijing is much colder than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In the spring, Beijing is a little warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Beijing