FAQ

About Kanazawa’s environment

• Q. What’s the climate like in Kanazawa?

  It rains so much that “You can forget you lunch but never your umbrella” is the common wisdom. The city is distinctly wet, with an average humidity of 73% and 193 rainy days in an average year. A fold-up umbrella or poncho will come in very handy.

• Q. What clothes to pack?

  Average temperatures:
  Spring: 15 °C (59 °F) in April
  Summer: 25 °C (77 °F) in July and August
  Fall: 15 °C (59 °F) in October
  Winter: 4 °C (39 °F) in January
  
  Kanazawa's weather is temperate but rainy. Packing some rain gear is always recommended. Summer can be quite hot and humid with the temperature reaching 35°C (95°F). Winter is mild but the snow is wet, so waterproof shoes are a must.

• Q. Do people speak English in Kanazawa?

  Although English menus and signs are becoming more frequent, the spoken language is still quite rare in Kanazawa, so expect that most places can only communicate in Japanese.

• Q. Will my electronic device work in Japan?

  The most common electrical current used in Japan is 100V 50Hz. Because the shape of outlets also varies by country, check if your plugs will work as well or if you’ll need an adapter.

• Q. Where can I exchange currency?

  The best place for exchanging currency is the Travelex counter at Kanazawa station (http://www.travelex.co.jp/JP/Stores-By-Region/), but currency exchange service is available at post offices and local banks in a pinch.
  
  International ATMs are available at the nearby post office (4-minute walk) and the Seven Eleven convenience store.

• Q. Do most shops and restaurants accept credit card? How much should I tip?

  Most stores accept credit cards. Small shops tend to be cash only.
  Kanazawa is filled with many wonderful small restaurants. Most of those places do not accept credit card.
  Do not tip! Tipping will lead staff members to think you have miscalculated the price, and they will go out of their way to return your money to you.

About our services

• Q. Can you give me some advice about my travel plans?

  Of course! Ask away! Our staff will be happy to give you some tips or help you make reservations or arrangements.
  You might also be able to get some great info from locals at Kaname Bar.

• Q. Can I check in before the check-in time?

  Yes, but you may only enter your room after the check-in time (3:00 p.m.).
  You are welcome to leave your luggage with us while you explore the city!

• Q. Can I leave my luggage after the checkout time?

  Yes. We will keep your luggage safely in our luggage room.

• Q. Can I have my luggage or mail delivered to your hostel before the check-in time?

  Yes. Alert us in advance by email or phone of any packages we may receive on your behalf.

• Q. Do you have a curfew?

  No. The door will be locked from midnight to 6:00 a.m., but we will assign you an access code for the front door upon check in.

• Q. Is late checkout possible?

  Sorry, there is no late checkout, but you can leave your luggage with us until you depart for your next destination.

• Q. Do you provide food?

  Although the hostel does not provide food, Kaname Bar (less than a minute-walk from your bed) offers great food and drinks!

• Q. Is breakfast included in the room rate?

  Yes. A complementary continental breakfast is available at Kaname Bar from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

• Q. Do you provide towels?

  Yes, we provide linens for free and can rent you a bath towel for ¥100.

About our facilities

• Q. Do you have a safety deposit box?

  Each bed cell includes a lockable safety box.
  Please bring your own pad lock. (The hostel can lend you one upon request).

• Q. Do you have laundry facility?

  Yes, we have a coin operated washer and a dryer.

• Q. Do you have private bathrooms?

  None of our rooms have private facilities.

• Q. Do you have an Internet access?

  Yes, free Wi-Fi is accessible from all rooms.
  We also have a pocket Wi-Fi service.

• Q. Can I make an international phone call at your hostel?

  Sorry, the phone line is for our business use only.
  You are welcome to use our free Wi-Fi service to make Internet calls.
  An international pay phone is available at the Tokyu Hotel lobby. Ask our staff for directions.