I get this question constantly. Both cities are on the western side of Japan's central mountains. Both preserved their Edo-period heritage. Both are connected by bus via Shirakawa-go. And both show up on every "Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto" list.
But they're different animals. Here's a category-by-category breakdown after visiting both multiple times.
Takayama feels like a town. Population 89,000, compact center, everything walkable. The old streets (Sanmachi Suji) are three narrow lanes of dark wooden merchant houses. It's intimate, quiet before 9 AM and after 5 PM, and has a mountain-village atmosphere.
Kanazawa feels like a small city. Population 463,000, more spread out, with distinct neighborhoods (Higashi Chaya, Nagamachi, Katamachi nightlife district). It has a contemporary art museum, a major seafood market, and more restaurant variety. The Loop Bus connects everything.
Verdict: Takayama for a slower, more intimate experience. Kanazawa for more variety and longer stays.
This is where it gets interesting.
Takayama is all about Hida beef and mountain cuisine. Hida-gyu is one of Japan's top four wagyu brands — the beef sushi from street vendors (JPY 600-800) is worth the trip alone. Ho-ba miso (beef grilled on magnolia leaves), morning market pickles, and local ramen with curly noodles complete the picture. Seven sake breweries offer free tastings.
Kanazawa is seafood-dominant. Omi-cho Market serves kaisendon (sashimi bowls, from JPY 1,500) with Sea of Japan fish that arrives the same morning. Crab season (November-March) is exceptional. Gold leaf ice cream is the iconic treat (JPY 891 at Hakuichi). Plus Kanazawa has its own sake scene and refined Kaga cuisine.
| Food | Takayama | Kanazawa |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Hida wagyu beef | Sea of Japan seafood |
| Street food | Beef sushi on crackers (JPY 600-800) | Gold leaf ice cream (JPY 891) |
| Market | Miyagawa Morning Market (6 AM-12 PM) | Omi-cho Market (9 AM-5 PM) |
| Sake breweries | 7 (free tastings) | Several (free tastings) |
| Fine dining | Kaiseki at ryokans | Kaga cuisine + sushi omakase |
| Budget meal | JPY 800-1,500 | JPY 1,000-2,000 |
Verdict: Meat lovers, go to Takayama. Seafood lovers, go to Kanazawa. Or do both.
Takayama offers:
Kanazawa offers:
Verdict: Kanazawa has more variety and more internationally significant attractions. Takayama's old town is more cohesive but the list is shorter.
From Takayama: Shirakawa-go (50 min by bus, JPY 2,600) is the obvious winner — a UNESCO village of thatched-roof farmhouses. It's one of Japan's most photogenic places.
From Kanazawa: The Noto Peninsula (1-2 hours by car) offers rugged coastline, traditional fishing villages, and Wajima lacquerware. Less famous internationally but equally rewarding.
Verdict: Shirakawa-go gives Takayama the edge for day trips. It's a must-see.
Takayama: JR Wide View Hida from Nagoya (2.5 hrs) or highway bus from Tokyo (5.5 hrs). No shinkansen access — it's slightly harder to reach.
Kanazawa: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo (2.5 hrs) or JR Thunderbird from Kyoto (2.5 hrs). Much easier to reach from either major hub.
Verdict: Kanazawa is significantly more accessible. Takayama requires more planning but rewards the effort.
Takayama excels at traditional ryokans — the mountain setting makes the onsen baths and kaiseki dinners feel more authentic. JPY 10,000-30,000 per person with meals.
Kanazawa has a wider range — modern hotels, machiya (renovated townhouse) stays, and ryokans. More options at every budget level.
Verdict: For a traditional Japanese inn experience, Takayama. For accommodation variety, Kanazawa.
| Expense | Takayama | Kanazawa |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | JPY 6,000-18,000 | JPY 8,000-25,000 |
| Meals/day | JPY 2,000-5,000 | JPY 3,000-7,000 |
| Attractions/day | JPY 1,000-2,500 | JPY 1,500-4,000 |
| Transport | Walk (free) | Loop Bus (JPY 600/day) |
| Daily budget | JPY 9,000-25,500 | JPY 12,500-36,600 |
Verdict: Takayama is cheaper across the board. The smaller town means less temptation to spend.
Takayama is spectacular in all seasons. The Takayama Festival (April & October) is one of Japan's three great festivals. Winter brings heavy snow but incredible atmosphere — snow-covered old town, steaming sake, and Shirakawa-go illumination.
Kanazawa peaks in spring (Kenroku-en cherry blossoms with free night illumination) and autumn (November foliage). Winter brings snow-covered gardens with yukitsuri rope supports.
Verdict: Tie. Both cities are four-season destinations with seasonal events.
| If you... | Go to... |
|---|---|
| Love wagyu beef | Takayama |
| Love fresh seafood | Kanazawa |
| Want a compact, walkable town | Takayama |
| Want more museums and variety | Kanazawa |
| Prioritize Shirakawa-go | Takayama |
| Have limited time from Tokyo | Kanazawa (shinkansen) |
| Want the best ryokan experience | Takayama |
| Travel with kids | Kanazawa (more activities) |
| Budget-focused | Takayama |
| Art-focused | Kanazawa |
The Nohi Bus connects Takayama and Kanazawa via Shirakawa-go in about 2 hours. You can visit Shirakawa-go as a stop in between. The ideal route:
Tokyo → Kanazawa (shinkansen, 2.5 hrs) → 2 days → Shirakawa-go → Takayama (bus, 2 hrs total with stop) → 2 days → Nagoya (train, 2.5 hrs) → Tokyo (shinkansen, 1.5 hrs)
For more Japanese culture, add Nikko to your itinerary, one UNESCO village. That's the play.
Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Travel Guides
