ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa — walk from the platform without a single raindrop
Did you know Kanazawa is one of Japan's rainiest cities? The locals call it the "City of Rain" for good reason — which is exactly why ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa has become a favourite for travellers who want to check in without getting wet. This 4-star IHG property connects directly to JR Kanazawa Station's Kenrokuen exit via an indoor skywalk: walk from the platform, wheel your suitcase through the covered walkway, and you're in the lobby. Score 9.0 on Trip.com, multiple on-site restaurants, and a wide breakfast buffet make this the go-to choice for families and anyone who values full-service convenience.
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa sits on the Kenrokuen side of JR Kanazawa Station and is connected directly to the station by a covered indoor skywalk. That means no matter how heavy the rain, you can walk from the platform, through the walkway, and into the lobby without a single drop landing on you. In a city where rain is part of daily life in every season, this sounds like a small detail until you're the one hauling luggage in a downpour — and suddenly it feels like the smartest decision you made when booking.
"Best location in the list — the skywalk connection to the station is direct. Many guests say that no-rain access is the main reason they chose this hotel and they'd choose it again."
As a large IHG-brand property, ANA Crowne Plaza offers the full-service range that smaller boutique hotels in Kanazawa simply can't match. A concierge team ready to organise sightseeing, multiple dining venues in the building, and a broad breakfast buffet with both Japanese and Western options are all on offer. This makes it particularly well suited to families with children, or mixed-age groups where having a variety of food choices matters.
The Standard Twin rooms run to around 22 sq m — noticeably bigger than the typical business-chain room at the same price point. The furnishing and decor follow the classic international business-hotel style: it won't inspire Instagram posts, but it's clean, orderly, and comfortable. Luggage assistance is available in the lobby, and the team communicates well in English — something worth noting in a city where English proficiency can vary quite a bit.
Beyond the station connection, the location also puts you within easy walking distance of Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest fresh-food market — perfect for anyone who wants to start the day with fresh seafood before heading out to the sights. The Kenrokuen side of the station is also where you'll find the iconic Tsuzumi Gate and the Loop Bus stop, which runs to every major attraction in the city.
It's worth being straight about the numbers, though: Booking.com gives this hotel a score of 7.6, noticeably lower than most competitors in the area. Multiple reviews mention that the building and rooms are showing their age — the decor feels dated compared with newer openings like Hyatt Centric Kanazawa or Hotel Intergate, both at similar price points. If freshness and contemporary design are your priority, those alternatives deserve a look.
The honest summary: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa is a smart choice for a specific type of traveller — someone who wants a direct station connection, full-service facilities, and a big breakfast spread, likely travelling with family or a group. For that brief, it delivers better than most hotels in the neighbourhood. But if your priority is a stylish, recently renovated room, there are fresher options nearby at a similar rate.
Rates start at ¥14,000 per night for a Standard Twin at 22 sq m — sitting in the mid-range between budget and luxury for Kanazawa. Actual pricing varies by season and lead time, so comparing Agoda, Booking and Trip.com before you commit is always worth doing.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Skywalk connects directly to JR Kanazawa Station — no rain, ever
- ✓ Large IHG-brand hotel with full-service facilities and international standards
- ✓ Wide breakfast buffet with both Japanese and Western choices
- ✓ Near Omicho Market and Loop Bus stop — ideal for families
- ! Booking.com score of 7.6 is lower than most competitors in the area
- ! Building and rooms are showing age — decor is noticeably dated
- ! Not as fresh or contemporary as newer hotels at similar prices
- ✓ Best location in the area — skywalk from station to lobby, fully covered
- ✓ Standard rooms at 20–22 sq m are more spacious than average business-chain rooms
- ✓ English-speaking staff; professional service throughout
- ✓ Shopping street and Tsuzumi Gate are a short walk away
- ! Room decor looks dated compared with recently opened hotels
- ! From ¥14,000/night — newer 3-star hotels nearby offer fresher rooms for less
- ! No onsen; focused on business-hotel amenities
- 💡If a stylish, newly renovated room matters to you — rooms here are ageing and the decor is dated → compare with Hyatt Centric Kanazawa or Hotel Intergate, both nearby at similar prices with noticeably fresher rooms.
- 💡If rain isn't a concern and your budget is tighter — Smile Hotel Premium Kanazawa at ¥9,500 with a score of 9.3 is a 3-minute walk from the station → save the ¥4,500/night difference and spend it on seafood at Omicho instead.
- 💡If you're travelling as a family — this hotel is a strong fit: plenty of room types, a varied breakfast buffet, and the Loop Bus stop right outside the door → no car rental needed to cover all the main sights.