12 Best Places to Visit in Japan for First-Timers — With Costs

8. Kanazawa: The Golden City of Crafts and Gardens

Kanazawa, often called "Little Kyoto," preserves traditional Japanese culture through its immaculate gardens, historic districts, and thriving artisan communities that continue centuries-old crafts like gold leaf production and Kutani pottery. Kenroku-en Garden ranks among Japan's three most beautiful gardens, featuring perfectly balanced landscapes that showcase different seasonal beauty throughout the year, from snow-laden winter scenes to cherry blossoms and autumn maples. The historic Higashi Chaya district transports visitors to the Edo period with its preserved tea houses, many still operating as exclusive geisha entertainment venues, while the Omicho Market offers incredible fresh seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan. Kanazawa's 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art provides modern contrast to traditional attractions, featuring innovative installations and architecture. The city's compact size makes walking feasible, though the efficient bus system offers day passes for ¥500 ($3.50). Kenroku-en Garden admission costs ¥320 ($2.20), making it one of Japan's most affordable major attractions, while the contemporary art museum charges ¥450 ($3) for permanent collection access. Gold leaf workshops and pottery experiences range from ¥1,500-3,000 ($10-20), providing hands-on cultural immersion. Accommodation spans from ¥3,500 ($24) for guesthouses to ¥12,000 ($80) for business hotels, with some traditional ryokans available for ¥18,000 ($120) per person. Kanazawa's proximity to the Sea of Japan ensures exceptional seafood, with kaisendon (seafood bowls) costing ¥1,500-3,000 ($10-20) and high-end sushi experiences ranging from ¥5,000-15,000 ($35-100). Two to three days allows thorough exploration, with daily budgets ranging from ¥7,000-10,000 ($48-67) for budget travelers to ¥15,000-25,000 ($100-170) for luxury experiences.