Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, is renowned for its fresh seafood. Whether you choose an upscale restaurant or a more affordable one, you’re guaranteed to enjoy high-quality sushi and seafood in Kanazawa.
In this article, we’ll explore why Kanazawa’s sushi and seafood are so highly rated and introduce three must-visit restaurants in the area.
Why is Sushi in Kanazawa So Delicious?
The reasons why Kanazawa is considered a treasure trove of seafood lie in its geographical features, the skills of its artisans, and the quality of local ingredients. Let’s dive into what makes Kanazawa’s sushi and seafood so exceptional.
Blessed with Rich Fishing Grounds
The Sea of Japan, which Kanazawa faces, is where warm and cold ocean currents meet, allowing both warm-water and cold-water marine life to thrive.
Thanks to this diverse and abundant fishing ground, Kanazawa offers a variety of fresh seafood throughout the seasons.
Nutrient-Rich Waters from the Mountains
Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kanazawa is located, experiences a lot of rainfall and has a geography where mountains and the sea are close to each other. This allows nutrient-rich rainwater and melted snow from the mountains to flow into the sea via rivers.
This nutrient-filled water supports the growth of plankton, which attracts many fish to the area, making it a prime spot for fishing.
Easy Access to Fresh Fish
Fish markets in Kanazawa are designed to ensure a constant supply of fresh seafood, receiving catches in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Some sushi restaurants even go directly to the fishing ports to procure their fish, offering customers the freshest seafood available.
High-Quality Rice Production
Great sushi requires excellent rice. In Ishikawa, water from Mount Hakusan—a peak alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama as one of Japan’s three most famous mountains—helps create fertile land perfect for growing rice. Moreover, Ishikawa’s humid climate with significant temperature differences between day and night further contributes to producing flavorful rice.
Highly Skilled Sushi Chefs
Kanazawa is home to many renowned sushi restaurants, fostering intense competition among them. This has naturally led to the honing of exceptional culinary skills.
The sushi chefs in Kanazawa have mastered techniques to bring out the best flavors of the fish, which elevates the reputation of Kanazawa sushi even further.
Seafood You Must Try in Kanazawa
Now, let’s take a look at three types of seafood that are essential to Kanazawa’s gourmet scene and are especially popular among locals and visitors alike.
Sweet Shrimp (Amaebi)
Sweet shrimp, known for its sweetness and plump texture, is one of Ishikawa’s signature seafood delicacies.
Its rich sweetness is best enjoyed raw, making sashimi or gunkan sushi the top recommendations. Additionally, sweet shrimp tempura served over rice as a "tendon" bowl is also a popular choice.
While sweet shrimp is caught year-round, it is said to be at its most delicious from September to December.
Snow Crab (Zuwai Gani)
Snow crab, a large crab species found in deep waters, has different names depending on the region where it is caught. In Ishikawa, male snow crabs are called "Kano Gani." These crabs are packed with meat, even in their claws, and are known for their natural sweetness.
Female snow crabs, on the other hand, are called "Kobako Gani." Smaller than Kano Gani, they are prized for their rich crab miso, vibrant orange roe inside the shell, and tiny eggs with a unique texture found in their abdomen.
Both varieties are considered a winter delicacy, with the fishing season opening on November 6 each year.
Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)
Nodoguro is one of Kanazawa’s most luxurious fish. Known for its rich fat content and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this fish is a true delicacy.
It’s best enjoyed as sashimi or grilled with salt to savor its natural flavors. In Kanazawa, nodoguro is in season from September to December.
Ishikawa’s Local Cuisine
When you think of sushi, you might immediately picture nigiri sushi. However, many regions in Japan have their own unique versions of traditional sushi that have evolved over time. Here are three examples of Ishikawa’s distinctive local sushi.
Kabura Sushi
Kabura sushi is made by sandwiching buri (yellowtail), a specialty of Ishikawa’s Noto region, between slices of salted kabura (turnip), then fermenting it with koji (rice malt).
Despite being called "sushi," it doesn’t use vinegared rice and is closer to a type of pickled food than traditional sushi.
The unique blend of sourness from fermentation and the umami of yellowtail makes kabura sushi a beloved winter food. It’s often served on special occasions like New Year’s.
Kaki no Ha Sushi
Kaki no ha sushi involves wrapping fish such as mackerel, salmon, or horse mackerel with vinegared rice in persimmon leaves and fermenting it. The aroma of the persimmon leaves infuses the fish and rice, creating a rich and flavorful taste.
In some parts of Ishikawa, families still prepare kaki no ha sushi together for special events such as festivals.
Daikon Sushi
Daikon sushi is made by layering salt-pickled daikon radish with dried herring and fermenting them with koji. Alongside kabura sushi, it’s one of Ishikawa’s most iconic fermented foods.
The crunchy texture of the daikon, the rich sweetness of the fatty herring, and the tangy flavors from fermentation make this dish a standout. It pairs wonderfully with sake, making it a favorite among locals.
Where to Enjoy Sushi and Seafood in Kanazawa
(1) Honten Kaga Yasuke
Located just a 3-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station's East Exit, Honten Kaga Yasuke is a long-established sushi restaurant where you can savor meticulously crafted dishes made with carefully selected ingredients from the Hokuriku region. The warm atmosphere makes it a favorite for visitors from outside the prefecture, solo diners, and families with children alike.
The chefs take your preferences into account and prepare sushi with the freshest ingredients of the day. Popular dishes include the "Omakase Nigiri" (Chef's Choice Nigiri), the fluffy "Tamago-yaki" made with minced sweet shrimp, and the "Dashi-marinated Salmon Roe" prepared with a special recipe. Regular customers keep coming back for these signature dishes.
The elegant interior reflects Kanazawa's refined charm, with spacious counter seating and traditional tatami rooms. Seasonal delicacies are beautifully presented on Kutani porcelain, adding to the dining experience.
Honten Kaga Yasuke
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit)
- Business Hours:Tuesday to Sunday & National Holidays: 12:00–22:00 (Last order 21:40), Open on public holiday Mondays; check the official website (kaga-yasuke.com) for updates on substitute holidays or evening-only operations.
- Closed: Mondays (open if it’s a public holiday)
Average Price: 【Dinner】
: ¥15,000 (Meals range from ¥8,000–¥15,000; business entertainment budgets ¥15,000–¥25,000) , 【Lunch】: ¥7,000–¥10,000 (No specific lunch menu available)
(2) Sushi Naoki
Situated near the picturesque Higashi Chaya District, a designated Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings, Sushi Naoki opened in May 2020. Chef Naoyuki Kita, who has honed his skills in sushi restaurants serving fishermen at ports, personally selects fresh ingredients at the fish market every day.
A native of Kanazawa, Chef Kita emphasizes showcasing local flavors, focusing on fish and shellfish from nearby waters. Seasonal specialties include sardines in spring, whiting in summer, sea bream in autumn, and yellowtail in winter, all prepared at their peak. While exuding an air of elegance akin to a high-end establishment, the restaurant remains surprisingly affordable.
Sushi Naoki
- Access: 7 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station, 5 minutes on foot from Higashi Chaya District
- Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday & Holidays: Dinner 17:30–22:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Average Price: Dinner: ¥12,000
(3) Izakaya Kappo Tamura
Izakaya Kappo Tamura offers a wide array of dishes featuring the freshest seafood and handmade creative cuisine. The highlight here is their crab dishes, including the highly sought-after "Crab Shabu" and "Boiled Snow Crab." A standout menu item is the visually stunning "Pressed Crab Sushi," allowing you to savor the full flavor of their crab specialties.
Other popular dishes include the "Fatty Yellowtail Roll," a favorite among celebrities and prominent figures, as well as the "Assorted Sashimi Platter" featuring seasonal seafood. From high-end delicacies to Kanazawa’s traditional and regional cuisine, this restaurant lets you experience the best of Kanazawa’s seasonal flavors.
Izakaya Kappo Tamura
- Access: 5 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station, 2 minutes on foot from Higashi Chaya District, near Ume-no-hashi Bridge along Asano River
- Business Hours: Dinner: 17:00–22:30 (Open on public holidays if they fall on a regular closing day)
- Saturday & Sunday: Lunch: 12:00–14:00 (Reservation-only courses)
- Average Price: 【Dinner】: ¥8,000, 【Lunch】: ¥8,000 (Courses only)
Kanazawa’s rich natural environment and skilled craftsmanship come together to offer the freshest and most delicious seafood. Plan a visit to this gourmet paradise and indulge in its incredible flavors!
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