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Tag: Kanazawa

  • An Omakase in Kanazawa: A Review of Sushi Rekireki Omicho

    An Omakase in Kanazawa: A Review of Sushi Rekireki Omicho

    In our guide to Kanazawa, we called this the best sushi experience of our trip, and it’s a statement we stand by. This is a closer look at our unforgettable meal at Sushi Rekireki Omicho, a small restaurant that, for us, represents the art of sushi at its finest.

    Located near the city’s famous Omicho Market, this is a destination for a true omakase experience. With its Michelin Plate recognition and a deep connection to local tradition—being operated by the historic Yamato Soysauce and Miso Company—it promises a meal rooted in Kanazawa’s rich culinary heritage

    The Setting & Atmosphere

    The restaurant is minimalist and intimate, with seating for only a handful of guests along a beautiful hinoki wood counter. We loved the calm and focused atmosphere, which allows you to fully appreciate the chef’s craft. However, it’s worth noting that the interior is very simple and the seating is traditional. While authentic, some may find it less comfortable for a long meal. At this price point, the ambiance could be a bit more refined. For us, the focus was rightly on the counter and the chef’s incredible work.

    The Omakase Experience

    The omakase was a guided journey through the best seasonal seafood from the Hokuriku region. It began by watching the itamae (sushi chef) meticulously prepare the stunning array of fresh, local fish, sourced just steps away at Omicho Market.

    The multi-course meal was a sequence of highlights, and while every piece was remarkable, here are a few that we still talk about. What truly impressed us was the perfect balance in each piece of nigiri. The quality of the fish was exceptional and perfectly complemented by the seasoned shari (sushi rice). A clear standout was the local specialty, the nodoguro(blackthroat seaperch), which the chef lightly seared (aburi) to an incredible, buttery texture. Another highlight was the rich, creamy uni (sea urchin) from Hokkaido.

    Practical Tips for Visiting

    • Reservations are Essential: You must book well in advance. We recommend booking through your hotel’s concierge or a Japanese booking service like TableCheck, as walk-ins are generally not possible.
    • Trust the Chef: The nature of omakase is to enjoy the chef’s curated journey. Eat each piece as it is presented—it is already perfectly seasoned for you.
    • Combine with Omicho Market: The restaurant is located right by the market. Plan to explore the market’s vibrant stalls before or after your meal.

    The Verdict

    So, was it truly the highlight of our trip? For us, the answer is a resounding yes. The combination of the high-quality local fish, the chef’s clear expertise, and the quiet, focused setting made for a truly special dining experience. While the simple interior might not fully match the high price point for some, the quality of the food itself was absolutely flawless.

    For anyone who appreciates the craft of high-end sushi, a meal here is an experience we can’t recommend highly enough and a highlight of our Kanazawa Guide.

    Overall ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5)

  • What to Do in Kanazawa: A 2-Day Itinerary for Food & History

    What to Do in Kanazawa: A 2-Day Itinerary for Food & History

    When planning our Japan itinerary, Kanazawa wasn’t initially on the top of our list. But as we mapped out our route from Kyoto to Tokyo, this lesser-known gem in Ishikawa Prefecture stood out as the perfect stopover. And it turned out to be exactly that—a charming town rich in history and beauty, ideal for a short 2-3 day visit.

    Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa offers a condensed, genuine glimpse into historic Japan without the overwhelming crowds. The city is famous for its gold leaf production (kinpaku), and you’ll see its shimmering touch everywhere—a constant reminder of the city’s deep-rooted artisanal heritage. If you’re wondering is Kanazawa worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes.

    For our stay, we booked The Sanraku Hotel Kanazawa. It was a lovely 5-star hotel—impeccably clean with fantastic staff. However, we were missing a few amenities that we would usually expect in this category.

    Getting to Kanazawa

    Getting to Kanazawa is straightforward, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass. The city is a major stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible.

    • From Tokyo: The direct Shinkansen ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
    • From Kyoto/Osaka: You’ll need to take a combination of the Thunderbird limited express train and Shinkansen, which takes just over 2 hours.

    Must-See Sights in Kanazawa: A Walking Itinerary

    Kanazawa is incredibly walkable. Here are the sights you shouldn’t miss.

    Kanazawa Castle & Kenroku-en Garden

    Start your exploration at Kanazawa Castle, the historic seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. While a reconstruction, its impressive gates and turrets give you a real sense of feudal Japan.

    Right next door is Kenroku-en, rightfully known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Every path leads to a picture-perfect view of its ancient ponds, stone lanterns, and charming teahouses. Plan for at least a couple of hours to soak it all in.

    A view of the historic Kanazawa Castle under a dramatic, cloudy sky.
    The iconic ancient pine trees of Kanazawa Kenroku-en Garden, with branches held up by traditional yukitsuri supports.

    Omicho Market: The City’s Kitchen

    A short walk from the castle is Omicho Market, while not as large as markets in bigger cities (like the famous Nishiki Market in Kyoto), its authentic vibe is its main draw. It’s the best place in Kanazawa to try fresh seafood, regional produce, and street food snacks.

    Explore the Historic Geisha and Samurai Districts

    No trip to Kanazawa is complete without walking through its preserved historical districts.

    • Higashi Chaya District: This is the city’s main geisha district, with beautiful latticed wooden teahouses that now serve as cafes and artisan shops.
    • Nagamachi Samurai District: Wander past the mud-walled residences where samurai once lived. You can even enter the Nomura-ke, a restored samurai house, to see how they lived.

    Best Restaurants in Kanazawa: From Hidden Ramen to DIY Sushi

    The food scene in Kanazawa was a major highlight of our trip. Here are our top recommendations.

    Dinner & Unique Food Experiences

    • Aburaya: This was a top find for authentic, cheap eats. A tiny ramen spot in the basement of an office building, you order from a cash-only machine in the back. It’s a no-frills, delicious, and genuine local experience.
    • Sushi Rekireki Omicho: Hands down, the best sushi experience we had in Japan. You must book in advance. We chose the omakase menu, where the chef presents a flawless course-by-course journey of the freshest fish. It’s a culinary event you won’t forget.
    • Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil: This concept is brilliant and so much fun. You build your own sushi from a huge list of high-quality ingredients. It’s interactive, creative, and a perfect activity for a date night. We loved it.
    The chef's counter at Sushi Rekireki Omicho, showing a platter of fresh fish prepared for an omakase meal.
    A colorful spread of ingredients for build-your-own temakizushi in small dishes at Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil.

    Breakfast & Coffee Shops

    • townsfolk coffee: The perfect place to start your day. We had a wonderful breakfast here before exploring the nearby samurai district.
    • PETRA BAKE & COFFEE: Located right at the corner of Omicho Market, it’s an ideal spot to grab a quality coffee and pastry before diving into the market’s buzz.
    • SWAY COFFEE ROASTER: For coffee aficionados, this modern cafe serves up an excellent brew in a sleek, contemporary setting.
    A breakfast spread at townsfolk coffee, featuring two lattes with heart-shaped art, a cardamom bun, and sliced bread.
    The counter at Petra Bake & Coffee, with its distinctive neon sign and a display of fresh baked goods.
    A tray from Sway Coffee Roaster holding a hot latte, an iced coffee, and a grilled panini.

    Final Thoughts: Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?

    Absolutely. Kanazawa was an unexpected highlight of our Japan travels. It packs an incredible amount of culture, history, and outstanding food into a compact, accessible city. While sights like Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto are stunning, the relaxed and authentic atmosphere of Kanazawa offered a welcome change of pace. It’s the perfect addition to any itinerary, beautifully bridging the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto.