Situated along the Sea of Japan, with a bustling fishing port, Kanazawa stands out in Japan for its abundant seafood options.
While renowned locations like Tsukiji Market in Tokyo are acclaimed for their premium products globally, Kanazawa focuses primarily on preserving local catches within the west-central Ishikawa Prefecture. This positioning results in public markets, grocery stores, and restaurants brimming with unique, delectable sushi and sashimi not found elsewhere, often at astonishingly affordable prices. For instance, a 15-piece upscale omakase experience that may range between $150–200+ in major cities outside of Japan can be enjoyed for merely one quarter, or even one-tenth, of that cost in Kanazawa.
Along your culinary journey, you will encounter exquisite delicacies that are truly distinctive. Kanazawa is celebrated for its yellowtail (locally referred to as buri), and the surrounding waters yield seafood that is unknown to many, including saltwater eel (anago), “sweet shrimp” (the local hokkoku exhibits a sweet flavor), magnificent crabs, and nodoguro, a blackthroat seaperch that will compel you to return to Kanazawa swiftly. The pursuit of superior fish is ingrained in the local culture, and it’s prevalent at various dining establishments, from public market offerings to a sushi conveyor-belt restaurant that feels akin to an art gallery. Herein are the premier venues to experience the allure of Japan’s sushi capital.
1. Omicho Market
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This vibrant market, affectionately dubbed “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” is bustling with energy. Within Omicho Market, over 170 stalls and shops feature an array of products, from impressive Ruby Roman grapes to gigantic snow crabs, along with an abundance of fresh fish, sushi, and sashimi. The market operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Select and savor what piques your interest. A popular choice is grilled anago served on a stick, with a generous portion priced at ¥500 (approximately $3.25) from various vendors. Another essential dish is kaisedon, essentially a sushi bowl crafted from the market’s seafood, with Yutaka Saison being the premier establishment in the market – identifiable by its vibrant yellow curtains out front.
If navigating the market seems daunting, numerous guided, translated tours are available as well. Visit Kanazawa, the city’s tourism organization, offers a tour that includes a cooking workshop.
2. Kirari
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Indulge in conveyor belt sushi; it is a delightful reason to visit, or ideally suited if you have time to spare while waiting for a train at Kanazawa Station. This seemingly modest establishment sources daily fresh fish, including scallops, vibrant tuna, and tai (sea bream), available for ¥2000 (approximately $13) for a 7-piece selection directly from the port. If you find yourself elsewhere in Japan, Kirari operates additional locations in Takasaki and Tokyo’s Hochiojo.
For an evening cocktail and to absorb more local essence, ascend to the Station Bar. The welcoming and knowledgeable staff create elaborate cocktails that span from Japanese fruit-infused beverages to sake-based ice cream. The bar boasts an extensive selection of liquor, piled high and overflowing at times – see if you can count the number of bottles.
3. Origo
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Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture are increasingly cosmopolitan, contributing to intriguing culinary collaborations. This Italian-Japanese establishment, run by Matteo Alberti, operates by reservation only and presents a curated seasonal menu priced at ¥13,000 (approximately $85). It offers a flavorful culinary journey featuring selected wines, fluffy focaccia, and local-inspired dishes such as gnocchi with shrimp. Notably, in 2024, Alberti earned international recognition winning a photography contest for an image of a hanging buri in the restaurant.
4. Otome Sushi
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This esteemed Kanazawa establishment, which holds two Michelin stars, specializes in tsumami (small dishes). Reservations are essential, and early arrangements are advisable. While dining at Otome Sushi, patrons experience a chef’s selected menu, ensuring they are in capable hands. Guests can expect around 20 exquisite bites (¥22,000/approximately $144), highlighting the best seasonal offerings, such as aka ika (squid), sea urchin, or pristine preparations of grilled or vinegared mackerel. You are guaranteed to leave satisfied.
5. Barrier
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Consider Barrier as the ultra-hip venue for a distinctive and vibrant night out. Resembling a contemporary art gallery rather than a traditional sushi restaurant, visitors enter through automatic white doors to discover a minimalist, white interior enhanced with select artwork. The upper level features all-black rooms with individual red table setups, where guests sit on the floor to enjoy their meals.
Upon seating, guests choose from five courses designated A, B, C, and D (including a vegetarian option), with prices ranging from ¥4,000 to ¥9,000 (around $26 to $59). Each course is presented in a tiered box, allowing diners to reveal dishes at their own pace. You can expect ingredients such as anago, pickled horse mackerel, rock oysters, and various other delights. While walk-ins are welcome, making a reservation is recommended as the venue operates from 11 am to 9 pm daily.
6. Kanazawa Tamazushi
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This beloved local institution has been serving patrons for over seventy years, becoming a popular dinner venue for family gatherings and friendly catch-ups. The sushi bar and display cases filled with seafood take center stage in the restaurant. Due to its popularity, securing a reservation is highly advisable. Guests can explore different options, ranging from à la carte selections featuring classics to an extravagant pufferfish medley, or choose a multi-course meal priced around ¥15,000 (approximately $98). In addition to its main location, Kanazawa Tamazushi operates an outlet in Korinbo Tokyu Square within the city.
