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

Should you visit Kanazawa or Adelaide?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Adelaide can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Adelaide travel costs.

Kanazawa and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adelaide than Kanazawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Adelaide is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Kanazawa is known for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Kanazawa is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also home to the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

How is Kanazawa different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Kanazawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kanazawa. 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.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


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

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Kanazawa is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

The vibe at night is good in both Kanazawa and Adelaide.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Adelaide is great for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.


Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

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

Kanazawa is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Adelaide is very good for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Adelaide both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Adelaide is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.


Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Families?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Kanazawa or Adelaide.

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.

Adelaide is a family-friendly place to visit. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Both Kanazawa and Adelaide are good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Adelaide are good places to visit.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

It's common for backpackers to visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.


Is Kanazawa or Adelaide Better for Students?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

For students, both Kanazawa and Adelaide are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

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

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Adelaide 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 Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

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 Kanazawa or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Kanazawa
Adelaide

Kanazawa and Adelaide are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanazawa or Adelaide. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Adelaide due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Adelaide.

Families should spend more time in Kanazawa than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kanazawa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.


  • How many days in Kanazawa or Adelaide? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kanazawa 1-2 
    Adelaide 2-4

One day in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Adelaide offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Kanazawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adelaide, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Adelaide is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Kanazawa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanazawa is $131, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kanazawa and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanazawa $66
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanazawa $132
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Kanazawa and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Kanazawa or Adelaide? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kanazawa


Hotels in Adelaide


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kanazawa Hotel Prices and Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanazawa $9.66
    Adelaide $18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $298
  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Kanazawa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kanazawa $58
    Adelaide $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
  • traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
  • Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
  • Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanazawa $10
    Adelaide $14

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
  • Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
  • Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
  • Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
  • Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
  • Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
  • Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
  • Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
  • From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
  • From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
  • From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Barossa Tour from 4 Tastings & Lunch Included": $109
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
  • Adelaide City Highlights Full-Day Tour: $152
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $58
  • Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour: $107
  • Adelaide City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour: $87
  • Adelaide City and First Nations Cultural tour: $99
  • Adelaide City and Hahndorf Full Day Tour: $127
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours: $208
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours to Hahndorf & Hills Wildlife Wonders: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanazawa $13
    Adelaide $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Adelaide Food Odyssey: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120


When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Adelaide, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kanazawa is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Adelaide, 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 Kanazawa or Adelaide?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Adelaide is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kanazawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kanazawa or Adelaide in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Adelaide. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Adelaide in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanazawa is a little warmer than Adelaide in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Adelaidein January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F) 
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Adelaide in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Adelaide. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Adelaide. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanazawa in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Adelaide averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein April. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Adelaidein April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F) 
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Adelaide in the Winter?

Both Adelaide and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Adelaidein July. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 3°C (38°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Adelaidein July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F) 
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Adelaide in the Spring?

Both Adelaide and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

Kanazawa is cooler than Adelaide in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein October. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Adelaidein October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F) 
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Kanazawa

Kanazawa Adelaide
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in) 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in) 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in)