1
Takasaki Lunch Spot

Savor fresh “live crab” at your leisure starting in the afternoon

As the second location of Kanazawa’s popular kappo restaurant “Ajidokoro Takasaki,” this spot is gaining popularity not only for serving the restaurant’s signature dishes but also for offering authentic crab dishes starting at lunchtime during the season.You can order “Kano-gani,” a male snow crab from Ishikawa Prefecture, from November 9—when the crab fishing season opens in Ishikawa and the crabs hit the market—through April 8.

The restaurant is also known as a rare spot where you can enjoy live crab; after placing your order, the exceptionally fresh “Kano-gani”—caught directly from the restaurant’s on-site tank—is served as sashimi or grilled crab.The “Kanou Crab Sashimi” is a particular highlight. The sight of the meat spreading out as if it were suddenly blooming is a feature unique to crabs that are prepared while still alive.

Local Guide

This is a rare restaurant where you can enjoy a whole Kanou crab right from lunchtime. Since it’s a popular spot, we recommend making a reservation.

Lunch Spot Takasaki

• 2-1-1 Korinbo, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kuraso Place Korinbo, Ground Floor MAP
• About a 15-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 2 minutes
• 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last Order: 4:30 PM) *Last entry at 3:30 PM
• Closed on Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
• 076-224-7055
• None
• Reservations recommended

2
Indian Restaurant Ashiruward

Authentic Indian cuisine that anyone will love

This restaurant serves authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine prepared by a Japanese-Nepalese couple and an Indian chef who trained in India. The flavors are so authentic that even Indians recognize them as genuine, yet the dishes are familiar enough to Japanese palates, resulting in a steady stream of repeat customers. By carefully preparing fresh ingredients and skillfully blending Indian spices, they create truly exquisite flavors.

Our top lunch recommendation is the “Chicken Biryani and Small Curry Set,” which combines biryani and curry. The “biryani”—a spiced rice dish rich with aromatic spices—pairs perfectly with our homemade raita (yogurt dip). Of course, we also offer sets where you can choose between naan and rice .

Local Guide

The restaurant is located on a corner of Seseragi Street, which runs alongside the Kuratsuki Irrigation Canal. The dinner menu offers a wide variety of options, including over 30 types of curry.

Indian Restaurant Ashirward

• 1-4-59 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korinbo,” and walk about 3 minutes
• 11:30 AM–2:30 PM (last order at 2:00 PM), 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)
• Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
• 076-262-2170
• None

3
CRAFEAT produced by Tanaya Lacquerware Shop

Fully experience the essence of traditional crafts with both your eyes and your palate

A traditional craft-themed restaurant produced by the 10th-generation master of Wajima lacquerware. Its appeal lies in the opportunity to experience the collaboration between Ishikawa’s traditional crafts—including Wajima lacquerware, Kutani ware, and Yamanaka lacquerware—and cuisine.The first floor features a counter where you can casually enjoy à la carte Japanese dishes—such as innovative oden—paired with drinks, while the second floor, available by reservation only, offers a contemporary Japanese cuisine course.

The second floor offers a “Visitor Course,” which is great because even first-time guests—even if they aren’t members—can enjoy it without any hassle. You might even be served in high-end Wajima-nuri bowls worth hundreds of thousands of yen, and you’ll be enchanted by the luxurious tableware. One of the highlights is experiencing the true essence of traditional crafts—something you can only truly appreciate by using them yourself.As you sharpen your senses and experience the dishes in a whole new world—taking in their textures and mouthfeel—the meal is sure to become a cherished memory of your trip.

Local Guide

There’s also a craft shop on the premises, so be sure to check it out.

CRAFEAT produced by Tanaya Lacquerware Shop

• 5-2 Kikuracho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 4 minutes
• Restaurant: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Craft Shop: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  Lunch: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Last Order: 1:00 PM)
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• 090-4740-4177
• None
• No cover charge

4
Il Mare

An authentic Italian bar where you can enjoy yourself until late at night

An Italian restaurant located in a corner of Shin-Tenchi. It’s a rare two-story building in Shin-Tenchi; the first floor features a counter with a stylish atmosphere, while the second floor has 14 table seats and a more subdued ambiance.

The “Ishikawa Prefecture Kobako Crab Pasta,” available exclusively from November through December, features Kobako crab entwined with the pasta—a masterpiece that pairs perfectly with drinks.Other staples, such as “Fresh Tomato Pasta” and “Pasta with Salmon Roe and Sea Urchin Cream Sauce,” are also popular favorites. Particularly noteworthy is the “Carpaccio,” made with seasonal seafood. You can enjoy a one-of-a-kind flavor achieved through the skillful use of original sauces.

Local Guide

Based on the concept of “delicious, fun, and affordable,” you can enjoy Italian dishes brimming with seasonal flair that change daily.

5
DUB

The joy of enjoying authentic Czech cuisine paired with Czech beer

Run by a former chef to a diplomatic residence, this restaurant is one of the top Czech specialty restaurants in the country. While enjoying dishes à la carte is a great option, we recommend the chef’s tasting menu, “Light Czech Cuisine.”From the “Assorted Appetizers” platter—featuring marinated mackerel, pickled sausages, confit chicken gizzards, and smoked pork tongue—to “Hovězí guláš,” a beef and paprika stew beloved as the Czech Republic’s most famous dish, every item offers authentic flavors that pair perfectly with drinks.

In the Czech Republic—a nation renowned for its love of alcohol—the beer “Pilsner Urquell” is the most popular, and one of the restaurant’s charms is being able to enjoy it the authentic way. There are three ways to drink it; among them, “Mirko”—which consists solely of foam—allows you to savor the delicate sweetness of the beer itself.

Local Guide

Using spices imported directly from the Czech Republic, the restaurant spares no effort in recreating authentic Czech flavors.

DUB

• 2-4-6 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 5 minutes
• 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Last Order: 11:00 PM)
• Sundays
• 080-6366-3322
• None

6
SHEEPs HEAD

Casually enjoy unique game meats paired with drinks

This meat bar is located on the second floor of “Toryanse.” Game meat forms the core of the menu. The lineup is truly surprising: depending on the season, you can enjoy unique game meats such as ostrich, alligator, kangaroo, and rabbit.

All the game dishes are simply seasoned, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural flavor of the meat. The alligator meat is white, has no gamey odor, and tastes similar to chicken. The kangaroo meat, while red, has a light and refreshing flavor.In addition to the meat, the menu features pasta, beef garlic rice, and appetizers, so you can enjoy a substantial meal. The homemade desserts, which pair perfectly with drinks, are also popular, making this a great spot for your second or third stop of the night.

Local Guide

Many people drop in alone for a drink, treating it like a casual café, and that laid-back atmosphere is part of its charm.

SHEEPs HEAD

• 2-23-6 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 2nd Floor of Toriyanse MAP
• About a 12-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Katamachi,” and walk about 3 minutes
• 6:00 PM–1:00 AM (Last order for food at 11:30 PM)
• Sundays and holidays
• 080-8695-6799
• None
• Cover charge: 400 yen

7
Noma

A bar that makes you want to raise a glass to once-in-a-lifetime encounters

Tucked away in Yakitori Yokocho with a discreet sign, this cozy bar seats just six. Step through the noren curtain, and you’ll surely feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. With a mortar-based interior inspired by a traditional tea room, the space exudes a sophisticated, mature ambiance.
The female staff members standing behind the atmospheric counter are all unique individuals who delight every guest. Why not lose yourself in a Kanazawa night while enjoying the conversation and the bar’s ambiance?

Local Guide

Yakitori Yokocho is a row of small shops with just a few counter seats each; the charm lies in being able to chat with the owner across the counter.

Noma

• 6-4 Kikura-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture (inside Yakitori Yokocho) MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 5 minutes
• Irregular (Check Instagram Stories)
• Irregular holidays (about twice a month; check Instagram Stories)
• None
• Cover charge: 1,000 yen

8
Kanazawa Obanzai RIKA Meshi

The concept is “home.” A home-style Japanese restaurant you’ll want to come back to

This is the perfect spot to start your night at “Kanazawa Chuo Aji Shokai.” The proprietress greets every customer who walks in with a warm “Welcome home.” That single phrase instantly puts you at ease, making you want to reply, “I’m home,” without even thinking. The charm of this place lies in its cozy comfort—it feels just like coming back to your parents’ home.

The menu changes daily. Dishes made with seasonal vegetables—created with the hope that “you’ll feel nourished here just like at home”—are particularly popular. The “Beef Tongue Braised in Red Wine,” which the owner prepares only when she has time, is an absolute delight—the meat falls apart tenderly in your mouth.

Local Guide

You can enjoy home-style dishes, perfected over many years of experience as a homemaker, in small portions at reasonable prices. Since it’s a popular spot, we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Kanazawa Obanzai RIKA Meals

• 2-13-8 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Chuo Aji Shokai MAP
• About an 8-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Katamachi,” and walk about 3 minutes
• 7:00 PM–11:00 PM
• Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and holidays *Please check Instagram Stories
• 080-4258-1221
• None
• 500 yen cover charge

9
Kanazawa Craft Hirosaka

Discover sophisticated items shaped by Kanazawa’s history

A gallery and shop showcasing Kanazawa’s traditional crafts. The shelves are lined with tasteful crafts that blend seamlessly into modern lifestyles and make delightful gifts. From Kaga temari and local toys to flower-shaped pincushions and cute sewing sets, every item is designed to add a touch of elegance to daily life.Accessories you can wear every day—such as mizuhiki, Kaga embroidery, and gold-leaf earrings and studs—make perfect souvenirs of your trip.
Crafting is about serendipity. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a gift for a loved one, this is a place you’ll want to visit in search of that special find.

Local Guide

The first floor houses a shop, while the second floor regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring artists with ties to Ishikawa, so you can enjoy both.

Kanazawa Craft Hirosaka

• 1-2-25 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art,” and walk about 2 minutes
• 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 30–January 2)
• 076-265-3320
• None

10
Gallery Toneriko

Weaving rich moments by incorporating the extraordinary into everyday life

A gallery located along a main street near the Saigawa River. Housed in a 90-year-old townhouse that’s been renovated, its pristine white walls are adorned with works by artists active throughout Japan. The owner exhibits only pieces that move her heart, regardless of the artist or genre—a commitment that has earned the gallery a reputation for showcasing many artists whose work can be seen nowhere else.

“I hope people will drop by casually and experience a sense of the extraordinary in their everyday lives,” says the owner. One way to enjoy the gallery is to take your time appreciating the artworks while reflecting on their intent and background, and to arrive at your own conclusions. The gallery is open twice a month for a nine-day exhibition period only. Please check the website for details.

Local Guide

Taking your time to appreciate the art will leave you with a sense of satisfaction, as if your spirit has been recharged.

Gallery Toneriko

• 3-30 Ikeda-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 11 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Katamachi,” and walk about 3 minutes
• 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the final day of an exhibition); Sundays from 12:30 PM
• Closed on Wednesdays during exhibitions (irregular closures may occur during exhibition setup)
• 076-231-2678
• None
• Free admission

11
Craft Gallery Coffee Nami

Enjoy Japanese sweets and tea while gazing at the courtyard garden

A café quietly nestled in a building in Katamachi. From the café area, you can gaze out at a traditional Japanese courtyard garden, and you’ll be surprised by the Japanese-style atmosphere—one you wouldn’t expect to find inside a building.
At the café, fresh wagashi from “Yoshihashi”—a Japanese confectionery shop that operates on a strictly reservation-only basis—are particularly popular.Enjoying seasonal Japanese sweets in this special spot, where a crisp, quiet atmosphere prevails, is truly exceptional. The fruit tea from “Haas & Haas,” a prestigious Viennese tea brand, will enchant you with its aromatic fragrance. Savor the berry notes wafting from the tea leaves—packed with chunks of dried fruit like raspberries and papaya—to your heart’s content.

Enjoy not just the café, but the crafts as well

A gallery occupies one-third of the spacious interior. It features a collection of carefully curated crafts selected by the owner, who places great value on serendipitous connections. The lineup spans both domestic and international pieces, and the owner reportedly stocks only those crafts that truly resonate with him.
“I learn so much from the artisans,” she says, and her words convey a deep love for both the artisans and their crafts. At the gallery, you can experience how the crafts feel in your hands and pick up tips on how to use them. Since the displayed pieces change regularly, please enjoy each unique encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Local Guide

Reservations are required by 9:30 a.m. on the day of your visit. The lunch menu, which serves only about 10 meals a day, is a specialty of the house. The menu changes daily, and everything is made from scratch. With a commitment to additive-free cooking, the simple, heartwarming home-style dishes will warm your heart. It’s a cozy space for adults—the kind of place you’d want to visit on your own.

Craft Gallery Coffee Nami

• 3rd Floor, La Bric 90, 1-3-13 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 4 minutes
• 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays (irregular closures)
• 076-232-1173
• None *Paid parking available nearby (parking vouchers provided with purchases of 1,000 yen or more)

12
Chano-ki Kanazawa

Body-friendly, completely additive-free, handmade sweets

A café where you can enjoy healthy, all-natural, handmade sweets—with crepes as the star of the show. These crepes, thin yet delightfully chewy, are addictive from the very first bite. Try them topped with meringue puffs or bear-shaped cookies.
The popular choice is the “A Set,” which pairs a crepe with a drink. The “Matcha Brownie” crepe, made with plenty of Yame matcha, is an irresistible treat for matcha lovers. Its subtly sweet flavor means you’ll enjoy every last bite without getting tired of it.

A heart-fluttering dessert break in a shop adorned with eye-catching dried flowers

Don’t miss the drinks made with Kaga black tea and Kaga bōcha. The “Kaga Bōcha Fruit Tea,” made with Kaga bōcha from Nodaya Chaya, is a cup that captures the essence of Ishikawa. With a subtle hint of bōcha and a refreshing lemon tea base, it’s a delightful drink.Furnished with tables that exude the warmth of wood and surrounded by dried flowers, the interior has such a cozy atmosphere that you’ll find yourself wanting to linger. Inspired by the desire for guests to “step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend some relaxed time connecting with nature,” the space offers a comfortable, natural ambiance.

Local Guide

There are tables equipped with power outlets, which is a nice touch—you can charge your phone or work on your laptop. There are also stylish mirrors and chairs that will make you want to take photos!

Chanoki Kanazawa

• 1st Floor, Miyashita Building, 101-1 Tatemachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 11 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Katamachi,” and walk about 5 minutes
• Monday–Saturday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, Sundays and Holidays 11:00 AM–6:00 PM *Subject to change
• Wednesday
• 076-255-6564
• None *Paid parking available nearby

13
Kotomi

Leisurely savor Kanazawa, where tradition and modernity intersect

Located right across from the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, this café is perfect for a break during your travels. A highlight is the view of the museum’s artwork “Color Activity House” through the large windows, allowing you to relax while taking in the scenery.

A popular choice is the cake set, where you can select a cake and a drink. We recommend the “Seasonal Roll Cake,” with its moist and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist, and the “Kanazawa Yuzu Fromage,” which lets you enjoy the perfect pairing of cheese and citrus. Fragrant Kaga Bōcha is the perfect accompaniment to the cake.The “Kaga Hōji Bōcha and Chocolate Parfait” is also a staple on the menu. The first floor serves as a sweets shop where you can purchase souvenirs.

Local Guide

Set in a calm, airy space, the café lets you experience the changing seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter—which adds to its charm.

Kotomi

• 1-2-27 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art,” and walk about 2 minutes
• Shop: Weekdays 12:00 PM–5:30 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11:00 AM–5:30 PM　
  Café: Weekdays 12:00 PM–5:30 PM (Last Order 5:00 PM); Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 11:00 AM–5:30 PM (Last Order 5:00 PM)
• 076-222-5103
• None

14
one one otta

A place you’ll want to drop by on a whim—a coffee stand that fits right into your daily life

A coffee stand with a small sign is located along a main street near the Saikawa River. Their drip coffee, made with beans roasted by Sapporo’s renowned “Saito Coffee,” offers a rich body and a mellow aftertaste. The handmade baked goods are all lightly sweetened with a gentle flavor, making them the perfect match for coffee.Muffins and scones made with seasonal fruits are particularly popular.
They also offer an alcohol menu, and it’s a real treat to be able to enjoy a drink even during the day. In addition to beers like Heineken and Heartland, they serve cocktails such as “Baileys Latte” and “Orange Chocolata.”

Local Guide

It’s a place where you can enjoy your time however you like—whether you pop in casually for a coffee break or grab takeout to enjoy while strolling along the Saigawa River.

one one otta

• 3-29-3 Ikeda-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 11 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Katamachi,” and walk about 3 minutes
• Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday
• None

15
Ozashiki BAR & Sweets Shop Kago

A Japanese-Western bar and sweets shop where both drinkers and non-drinkers can raise a toast together

Tucked away quietly behind the main street of Kikura-cho is a bar where you can enjoy sweets and drinks. During the day, it offers drink sets paired with sweets, while at night, it operates on a “one-order-per-person” system where you can enjoy both drinks and sweets.

The selection of sake—focused primarily on local brews from Ishikawa Prefecture—has no set menu; it changes from time to time as part of the restaurant’s commitment to quality. These sakes pair perfectly with treats like the “Premium Authentic Warabi Mochi”—a perfect example of warabi mochi made using a recipe that has remained unchanged for 30 years, sourced from a renowned Japanese confectionery shop—and the “Grilled Dango Set.”Don’t miss the “Zinfandel” wine, selected by a sommelier to pair perfectly with the “Rich Chocolate Terrine.” We also offer soft drinks that embody the essence of Kanazawa, such as Maruhachi Seicha’s “Kensho Kaga Bōcha” and “36 Coffee,” a popular brand at local coffee stands, making this a great choice even for those who don’t drink alcohol.

Local Guide

You can pop in casually, and since you take off your shoes and sit on the tatami floor, you’ll feel right at home.

Tatami-Room Bar & Sweets Shop Kago

• 5-13 Kikura-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 13 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 4 minutes
• 11:30 AM–4:30 PM (last order 4:00 PM), 8:00 PM–2:00 AM (Sundays only: 7:00 PM–12:00 AM)
• Lunch: Tuesday–Thursday (irregular holidays) *Holiday schedules may change during winter; Dinner: Tuesday, irregular holidays
• 070-3275-2542
• None
• Cover charge of 1,100 yen (dinner only)
  
  Cover charge of 1,000 yen (dinner only)