Kanazawa, Japan π―π΅
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan. |
| π₯ Population | Approx. 460,000 |
| π» Internet Speed | Download speeds averaging around 100 Mbps |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 JPY β 0.0067 USD, 1 USD β 149.56 JPY; major banks include MUFG, Mitsui Sumitomo, and Japan Post Bank. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality; regularly tested. |
| π Power | 100V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au by KDDI; prepaid options available at convenience stores. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted widely; ATMs are available at convenience stores and banks. |
| π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Guesthouses, and business hotels like Hotel Nikko Kanazawa. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept credit cards, but cash is still commonly used. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offering flexible stay durations. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Kanazawa Central Hotel and K's House Kanazawa (from Β₯3,500 per night). |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Startup Cafe Kanazawa offers a community workspace. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Kaku Coffee is known for its welcoming atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Kanazawa Meetup organizes monthly gatherings for professionals and entrepreneurs. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Kanazawa International Salon hosts regular meetups and language exchange events. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi is popular for ride services in Kanazawa. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from Kanazawaβs City Bicycle Rental. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Noto Peninsula beaches, approximately 1 hour by train. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Ishikawa Airport serves regional flights including connections to Tokyo. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines operate international flights. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Access via the Hokuriku Expressway and Noto Satoyama Kaido. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Kanazawa Station is the primary transportation center, well-connected via the Shinkansen. |
| π Public Transport Passes | The Kanazawa Loop Bus offers a day pass for unlimited travel (Β₯500). |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains (JR West) and buses connect to neighboring cities like Takamatsu and Toyama. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Kanazawa Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Aloha offers classes focused on relaxation and wellness. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Kanazawa is a popular fitness option. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundries are available throughout the city, as well as services like Laundry Katsu. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Demae-can and Uber Eats operate in Kanazawa for food delivery. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kaga Cuisine, particularly Jibuni (duck stew), known to be a local specialty. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Gochiso-In serves local vegan cuisine using seasonal ingredients. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Koiwa Sweets specializes in traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi). |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Omicho Market offers fresh seafood and local produce at reasonable prices. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan provides a wide range of products with reliable delivery. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Mitsuwa Marketplace offers grocery delivery services for select products. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Korinbo area is popular for nightlife with many bars and izakayas. |
| π» Local Brewery | Try local sake from the Kikusui Sake Brewery. |
| π· Wine Bars | Le Temps serves a selection of wines and seasonal dishes. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | You can find food stalls at festivals and events, offering local snacks and delicacies. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Italian and French cuisine are available at places like Trattoria Gioconda. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens with seasonal beauty. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art features modern and contemporary works. |
| π° Historical Sites | Kanazawa Castle is a well-preserved historical site highlighting the city's heritage. |
| π Religious Sites | The Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple) offers guided tours of its historical significance. |
| π Annual Events | Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri is a major summer festival celebrating the cityβs history. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Higashi Chaya District is famous for its traditional tea houses and historic atmosphere. |
| π Theater Venues | Kanazawa Theatre hosts various performances including kabuki and modern plays. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Omi-cho Market is an essential visit for local produce and seafood. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Various jazz clubs exist, with JAZZε«θΆ like Kawai being popular. |
| π¨ Street Art | Urban art can be seen along the streets, especially around the Nagamachi District. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Kanazawa Cooking Studio offers classes to learn how to prepare local dishes. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Kanazawa Art Club exhibits works from local and international artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Nagaya (historic row houses) reflect the architectural style of the Edo period. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Kanazawaβs heritage is celebrated through numerous preserved temples and traditional crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Kagoike Park offers scenic walking trails and a pond for relaxation. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Hakusan National Park is famous for its rugged beauty, just a short drive away. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverside paths offer pleasant cycling and walking experiences. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The Kanazawa Castle grounds provide beautiful views of the cherry blossom trees in spring. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Noto Peninsula is a great destination for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Noto Peninsula has designated camping areas where bonfires are permitted. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Yu-Pack offers reliable parcel delivery services throughout Japan. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Apple Authorized Service Providers and Do It Yourself stores are available for tech repairs. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities, such as Ishikawa Sports Center. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | The Kanazawa International Exchange Center offers Japanese language classes for expats. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Kanazawa Library provides study areas and access to a wide range of resources. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Higashi Chaya Cultural Center hosts events and activities for locals and expats. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Akihabara is famous for its gaming lounges and arcades. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Kanazawa does not have traditional casinos, but Pachinko parlors are popular. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯400,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯16,000,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯300,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯12,000,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯350,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯21,000,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯250,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯15,000,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯300,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯24,000,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯220,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯17,600,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20.315% |
| π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents are taxed on Japanese income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 10% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict rules exist regarding the taxation of controlled foreign companies. |
| π Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 6% is the standard rate for property purchases. |