Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, located on the west coast of Honshu, Japan. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 460,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.0069 USD. ATM services available at convenience stores and banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and Au; pocket WiFi rentals available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major international cards accepted; local banks like Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Offerings include Airbnb, guesthouses, and traditional ryokan inns. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Mellow, Kanazawa Guesthouse Nishida-ya, prices starting from ¥2,500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Higashi Chaya District for traditional culture and proximity to main attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Korinbo area is ideal for remote work with cafes and coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WAKO Space located in the Korinbo area, providing good amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe L'ATELIER offers free WiFi and a quiet atmosphere in Naramachi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups held at Kanazawa Creative Center for tech professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup Kanazawa Facebook group for community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber are the most used ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available through Kanazawa Cycling and local bike shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Noto Peninsula, approximately 1 hour away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) services from Komatsu Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines serve major global hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Hokuriku Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kanazawa Station connects to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Kanazawa One-Day Pass for unlimited rides on buses (¥500). |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to nearby cities like Toyama and Noto. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kanazawa Medical Center, providing comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogahouse Hikari offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Kanazawa offers memberships and personal training. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available throughout the city, such as Coin Laundry A.A. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kanazawa Curry, a delicious local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut offers a fully vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Yatsuhashi offers traditional sweet rice cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Omicho Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan available for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Korinbo district has numerous bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kizakura Brewery offers local sake and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | WINE & BAR SOY offers a curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Omicho Market has a variety of street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi restaurants like Sushi Ippon serve fresh local fish. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art showcases modern works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kanazawa Castle provides insight into the region's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Myoryuji Temple, also known as the Ninja Temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri celebration takes place in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Higashi Chaya District offers traditional teahouses and artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kanazawa Theater provides various performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Omicho Market for fresh seafood and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live performances often held at Noto Peninsula venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various areas around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kanazawa Cooking School offers traditional Japanese cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kanazawa Art Gallery houses local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Nakamura House showcases traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural events display Kanazawa's rich traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kibune Valley offers great hiking trails and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Noto Peninsula National Park, known for its rugged coastline. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Saigawa River Path is a popular cycling and walking route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Utatsuyama offers great city panorama. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Notojima Island is excellent for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Noto Peninsula have bonfire setups. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport offers reliable shipping and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops available for tech devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | KAI Japanese Language School offers personalized language training. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kanazawa City Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community spaces like Kanazawa Citizen's Center foster local engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like Game Paradise feature video game options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in the area, but small gaming arcades are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥14,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥10,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥16,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥380,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥30,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥270,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥21,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated on the assessed value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Translates to roughly 3% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax advantages for foreign residents can apply, consult local authorities. |