A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Kanazawa or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rotorua travel costs.

Kanazawa and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Rotorua?

Both Rotorua and Kanazawa have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Kanazawa is better known for its historical sights and shopping, while Rotorua is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Kanazawa different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Rotorua.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Rotorua can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Both Kanazawa and Rotorua offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Kanazawa and Rotorua.

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 Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

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

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Rotorua for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Rotorua?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Rotorua is one of the most popular family destinations. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is very popular for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Rotorua has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa and Rotorua both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Rotorua has a few public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Kanazawa or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanazawa and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rotorua than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

One day in Kanazawa or Rotorua?

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.

The beautiful town of Rotorua offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rotorua?

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.

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

Five days in Kanazawa or Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Rotorua, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Rotorua?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

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

In July, Kanazawa is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Rotorua. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua 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 Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kanazawa is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In April, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Kanazawa