Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan Travel Guide
Kanazawa's Kaga Ryori developed under the wealthy Maeda clan, emphasizing fresh seasonal produce, exquisite presentation, and delicate balance of flavors.
Region's abundant seafood from the Japan Sea and local mountain vegetables are foundational.
Say 'Itadakimasu' before eating ('I humbly receive'). Say 'Gochisousama deshita' after ('Thank you for the food').
Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice or passing food directly. Place on rest when not using. Do not point.
Tipping is not customary and may be considered rude. Remove shoes when entering traditional restaurants or ryokan private rooms.
A tasty stew with duck (or chicken), wheat gluten, mushrooms, and based on the season vegetables. Simmered in a savory dashi broth, slightly thickened.
Find at traditional Kaga Ryori restaurants.
Highly prized, fatty white fish from the Sea of Japan, having a rich, buttery flavor.
Served grilled, sashimi, or sushi. Omicho Market is excellent for Nodoguro.
Small, translucent pink shrimp known for remarkably sweet and tender flesh.
Served raw as sashimi or sushi topping. Fresh and delicious from Omicho Market.
Traditional Japanese sweets, exquisitely crafted to reflect seasons and artistry. Enjoyed with matcha.
Snow Crab (Kani) available only in winter (Nov-Mar). Buri (Yellowtail) also best in winter, served sashimi or grilled.
Kanazawa hosts high-end ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) with multi-course Kaga Ryori meals. Reservations recommended.
Omicho The marketplace is a must-visit for food lovers, bustling with fresh seafood and local produce vendors.
Plenty of mid-range options, including izakayas, sushi, ramen, and tempura restaurants. Look for lunch sets.
Located in the basement of department stores (e.g., Kanazawa Hyakugai, Meitetsu M'za).
These food halls present a vast array of prepared foods, bento boxes, and delicacies.
An excellent option for take-out or picnic meals.
Ideal for trying various local specialties in one spot.
Offer simple local dishes.
Serve elaborate multi-course Kaga Ryori meals.
Direct access to recent seafood preparations in a casual setting.
Quick, affordable, and quality ready-to-eat meals.
Strictly vegetarian/vegan, however harder to find outside of specific temple towns or specialized restaurants.
Use translation apps to communicate needs clearly.
Halal and Kosher food options are extremely limited in Kanazawa.
Consider self-catering with ingredients from trusted sources.
Japanese food labeling lists frequently occurring allergens.
Soy sauce (a staple) contains wheat.
Learn to apply gold leaf to small items like chopsticks or postcards at shops like Hakuichi.
Traditional confectionery shops or cultural centers have lessons on making exquisite seasonal sweets.
Numerous establishments offer traditional tea ceremony experiences. Some studios offer Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing workshops.
Enjoy the freshest possible seafood directly from the market. A simple yet deeply satisfying Kanazawa dining experience.
Many small eateries within the market specialize in these dishes.
While often a novelty, trying dishes or desserts garnished with Kanazawa's famous gold leaf is an unique local touch.
Find this at various cafes and restaurants, especially in the tourist areas.
Some guesthouses or regional arts centers offer hands-on cooking workshops for traditional Japanese dishes or wagashi.
Guided walking tours focus on Omicho Market or geisha districts, including food tastings and insights into local culinary traditions. Explore Kanazawa Food Tours on GetYourGuide.
Visits to local sake breweries, like Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery, give an understanding of traditional sake creation and typically include tasting sessions.
Always check opening hours, especially for smaller eateries, as they might close earlier than expected.
