Last updated: October 2026
Kanazawa — Traveler Guide
Central 4- and 5-star hotels in Kanazawa rated 8 or higher by guests, so you can walk back after midnight, plus what's on for New Year's Eve.
Quick Answer
Our top pick for New Year's Eve in Kanazawa is First Hotel Kanazawa, rated 8.8 from 406 Booking.com reviews. Korinkyo is a strong alternative at 9.0.
7 places · Checked October 2026
Kanazawa
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 80 m from the centre. Guests score it 8.8 out of 10 across 406 Booking.com reviews.
★ 8.8 guest score from 406 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
Kanazawa
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 160 m from the centre. Guests score it 9.0 out of 10 across 512 Booking.com reviews.
★ 9.0 guest score from 512 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 320 m from the centre. Guests score it 8.5 out of 10 across 840 Booking.com reviews.
★ 8.5 guest score from 840 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
Kanazawa
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 320 m from the centre. Guests score it 8.7 out of 10 across 787 Booking.com reviews.
★ 8.7 guest score from 787 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
Kanazawa
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 480 m from the centre. Guests score it 9.0 out of 10 across 9,011 Booking.com reviews.
★ 9.0 guest score from 9,011 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
Kanazawa
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 640 m from the centre. Guests score it 9.1 out of 10 across 4,623 Booking.com reviews.
★ 9.1 guest score from 4,623 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
Kanazawa
In Kanazawa. Booking.com puts it about 640 m from the centre. Guests score it 8.6 out of 10 across 2,138 Booking.com reviews.
★ 8.6 guest score from 2,138 Booking.com reviews · Many rooms include free cancellation
About This Guide
New Year is Japan's biggest family holiday, so 31 December in Kanazawa is quiet and many shops and restaurants close. The traditions are temple bells at midnight and the first shrine visit (hatsumode) in the first days of January. Kenrokuen garden stays open all night for the first sunrise.
Dates and times change from year to year, so check the organiser's listing before you travel.
How we picked: these are 4- and 5-star hotels in Kanazawa rated 8 or higher by Booking.com guests, listed closest to the centre first so you can walk back after midnight. Checked in October 2026.
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Common Questions
Yes. The garden is open every day of the year, and on 31 December it stays open from 5 pm until 8 am on 1 January. There is no lighting during the all-night opening, so bring a torch and dress warmly. The old New Year free-admission event is currently listed as suspended on the official site, so do not count on free entry.
Expect reduced hours. At Omicho Market most shops close around midday on 31 December. Many restaurants and shops close for the year-end holidays, so book dinner ahead and buy food early.
Most people celebrate at home. Typical traditions are temple bells at midnight and a first shrine visit (hatsumode) in the first three days of January. Shrines are busiest on 1 January.
Tokyu Stay Kanazawa has the highest score of the places in this guide for New Year's Eve: 9.1 out of 10 from 4,623 Booking.com reviews (checked October 2026).
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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