Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
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8 Recommended Bars to Visit in Kanazawa Katamachi. The appeal is the ease of entering even alone.

Katamachi in Kanazawa is home to many gourmet delights and is dotted with numerous unique bars. Finding the right bar for you will surely make your trip even more enjoyable. In this article, we introduce bars where you can fully enjoy both the flavors and the atmosphere. The charm of all these establishments is that you can easily drop by even if you are alone. Find your favorite bar and enjoy a wonderful, memorable night.

Signature cocktails that richly bring out the potential of the fruit

"Fruit Cocktail" to enjoy the season, 1,700 yen
Fruit cocktails that let you taste the season, 1,700 yen

A hideaway bar popular for its "fruit cocktails" made with seasonal fruits. The fruit cocktails are made fresh from the pulp after you order, using carefully selected fruits gathered from all over the country, allowing you to enjoy their freshness. With about 8 to 12 varieties always available, each drink is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you savor the season.
Over 90% of the fruit cocktails can also be served as non-alcoholic drinks. The chestnut cocktail, often described as a "drinkable Mont Blanc," is a popular menu item and the only one available all year round.

Extremely easy to use. We value a casual atmosphere, so even women dining alone can feel at ease

Counter seats with Baccarat glasses lined up in the center
Counter seats with Baccarat glasses lined up in the center

There is no menu, but cocktails start from 900 yen and whiskey from 900 yen. The master says he intentionally does not create a menu because he wants people who are not knowledgeable about alcohol to enjoy the bar, and he encourages guests to feel free to ask him for recommendations.
The food menu is also extensive, so many people use this as their first stop of the night. From simple items like cheese and prosciutto to hearty dishes like truffle pizza and pasta, the convenience of this place is a great plus.

Local
Supporter

The shop's name comes from the Chinese idiom "chinseki-souryu." True to its meaning of "leaving the mundane world behind," it is a hideaway bar located in an alley slightly off the bustling Katamachi district.

Soryu
  • Address12-2 Tatemachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Business hoursMon-Sat 18:00-3:00 next day, Sun/Holidays 18:00-2:00 next day
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL076-261-9212
  • ParkingNone *Paid parking available nearby
  • NotesCover charge 1,200 yen

    Cover charge 1,500 yen

An authentic bar that prides itself on creative cocktails

To order, just tell them your preferences or mood. Even beginners who are not familiar with cocktails can enjoy it easily
To order, simply tell them your preferences or mood. Even beginners who are not familiar with cocktails can enjoy it with ease

An authentic bar that has been in business since 1984 (Showa 59). There is no menu; the bartender creates original cocktails tailored to each customer's preferences. If you tell them your "current mood"—such as the strength of the alcohol, color, or mouthfeel—the master will provide the perfect drink from the thousands of recipes in their repertoire. You can also enjoy cocktails based on seasonal fruits or local sake. The appetizer is a standard three-item platter featuring dishes like "mentaiko potato salad" and fruit. The snacks are primarily handmade dishes using local ingredients, such as Kaga vegetables, whenever possible.

Get intoxicated by cocktails created with expert skill and engaging conversation

The master carefully crafts cocktails while watching the expression of each individual customer.
A master who carefully crafts cocktails while watching the expression of each individual

As you step into the bar, the first thing you notice is the long, tiered back bar (liquor shelf). It is a custom-made piece without vertical partitions, designed so that the entire display can be seen from any seat. The master says that "cleanliness and posture" are the most important aspects of their service. They make it a point to always observe the customer's expression the moment they take a sip of their cocktail. The bar is run by the master alone, and they strive to provide attentive service, including conversation, while adjusting the number of seats. Another point of note is that it is open on Sundays, which is rare for a bar in Kanazawa City.

Local
Supporter

Enjoying conversation with the master, who is knowledgeable about Kanazawa's tourist spots, is part of the fun. You can hear information not found in guidebooks, such as hidden highlights of Kenrokuen Garden and the origins of Kanazawa's place names, all verified by the master himself through his own visits.

Bar SPOON
  • AddressChateau Building, 1-5-8 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
  • AccessApprox. 15 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk for about 3 minutes
  • Business hours17:00–24:00 (L.O.)
  • ClosedMondays
  • TEL076-262-5514
  • ParkingNone *Paid parking available nearby
  • NotesReservations accepted

A new kind of bar where seasonal fresh fruit and whiskey weave together

Non-alcoholic "Strawberry Milk" and an appetizer of passion fruit and blueberries.
Non-alcoholic "strawberry milk," and an appetizer of passion fruit and blueberries

A relaxed bar that prides itself on its meticulously crafted highballs. However, it is also characterized by the significant presence of fruit, with offerings such as a seasonal fruit platter as an appetizer and a signature menu item consisting of fresh juice and premiumvodkaeasy cocktail. The ultimate highlight is the rich "strawberry milk," which uses plenty of strawberries grown by a local farmer in the prefecture. They also put effort into non-alcoholic drinks, such as additive-free and colorant-free fresh juices made with domestic fruit, making it a welcoming spot even for those who do not drink alcohol.

Enjoy a night in Kanazawa while being soothed by seasonal fruits and fresh flowers

The interior, decorated with flowers throughout, is a space where you can feel the season just by being there.
The interior, decorated with flowers throughout, is a space where you can feel the season just by being there

A whiskey and fresh fruit bar opened in "Kanazawa Shintenchi," a shopping street with a nostalgic atmosphere and a wide variety of shops. The fruit-loving owner wanted to "serve fresh fruit and alcohol together"It is said that this desire led them to become particular about their fruit. The shop, which values a sense of the seasons, is decorated with flowers here and there, creating a cozy and relaxing space where you can feel the seasons through both fruit and flowers. The owner's wish for everyone to spend their precious time happily here is woven into every detail.

Local
Supporter

The experience, which begins with an appetizer of fresh fruit, offers a freshness you won't find at other bars. Create wonderful memories of your night in Kanazawa while listening to stories about the master's extraordinary dedication to his drinks and his love for fruit.

EMANON
  • Address2-4-12 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Business hours20:00–03:00
  • ClosedMondays *Irregular holidays may occur
  • TEL090-1637-9868
  • ParkingNone *Paid parking available nearby
  • NotesReservations accepted

This is the real deal. A long-established Western-style liquor bar that gently invites you into the world of whiskey

"Cask-aged Whisky" (market price, as it fluctuates with exchange rates)
"Barrel-aged whisky" (market price, as it fluctuates with exchange rates)

Established in 1969, this long-standing Western-style bar offers the authentic atmosphere of an Irish pub. Its top recommendation is, without a doubt, the "barrel-aged whisky." It is a rare, original whisky that has been further aged in barrels to make single malt whisky imported directly from the UK taste even better.
You really must experience the mysterious way the flavor changes more and more with every glass. Even those who aren't fond of whisky often find themselves becoming hooked as they continue to drink it.

Immerse yourself in a world like a museum, packed with the history of Western liquor in post-war Japan

The wall covered entirely with miniature bottles of Western liquor is magnificent.
The wall covered entirely with miniature bottles of Western liquor is a magnificent sight

When you open the door, you are greeted by a British atmosphere. This is no surprise, as the interior, including the counter and stained glass, is entirely British-made, and the ceiling is packed with a collection of labels and trays from various manufacturers. It is filled with the history of having led the dawn of imported Western liquor in Japan.
Enjoy a bar time filled with profound charm while chatting with the friendly master, who possesses both knowledge and humor, at the counter seats where many cultural figures and celebrities have frequented over the years.

Local
Supporter

Another attraction is the ability to enjoy five types of draft beer, including a rare Guinness draft beer server. The food menu is just as impressive as the alcohol, with pasta, meat dishes, and more, making it a great place to satisfy your hunger.

Londonya Bar
  • Address1-12-8 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk for about 3 minutes
  • Business hours17:00–0:00
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL076-232-2671
  • NotesCover charge 864 yen

Irresistible for music lovers. Original cocktails linked to music

"Mellow Yellow Lemon Sour" 990 yen, "Sparkle" (spring/summer limited menu) 1,650 yen
"Mellow Yellow Lemon Sour" 990 yen, "Sparkle" (spring/summer limited menu) 1,650 yen

A drink you must try at this music bar, where you can fully immerse yourself in music, is an original cocktail inspired by music. "Sparkle," created with the image of Tatsuro Yamashita's song "SPARKLE," expresses the freshness of the guitar and vocals using cucumber, kiwi, and basil.
The specialty "Lemon Sour" uses a gin base and "Shimanami Lemons" grown in Hiroshima without pesticides. Soaked with cane sugar and aged for over a month, this drink offers a taste that overturns the very concept of a lemon sour.

Have the best night by surrendering yourself to the music selector

A lineup of over 1,500 records collected from all over the world, ranging from timeless masterpieces to rare recordings.
A lineup of over 1,500 records collected from all over the world, ranging from timeless masterpieces to rare recordings

Located on the first floor of the hotel "kaname inn tatemachi," this bar is open to non-guests as well. Inside, analog records of all genres and eras are neatly lined up.
The music played on the top-tier audio system produced by musician Shinichi Osawa is so clear that it feels as if a live performance is taking place right there. A dedicated music selector chooses the music while observing the guests' ages and reactions, making the experience feel even more special.

Local
Supporter

Scan the QR code on the menu to jump to an Instagram highlight where you can listen to music inspired by the original cocktails.

Kanazawa Music Bar
  • Address1F kaname inn tatemati, 41 Tatemachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 8 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk about 4 minutes.
  • Business hours16:00–24:00
  • ClosedSunday
  • TEL076-208-3540
  • NotesNo cover charge

A playful drink that lets you enjoy an encounter with the unknown

"HANAMI-FIZZ 3.0" and "CAFECOCO". Cocktails start from 1,700 yen.
"HANAMI-FIZZ 3.0" and "CAFECOCO." Cocktails start from 1,700 yen

This bar is run by brothers with a Japanese father and a French mother. The "HANAMI-FIZZ 3.0," made with gin infused with flowers and mixed with lime, elderflower, and soda, offers a refreshing, sweet-and-sour taste. Cotton candy is used to represent the clouds of Kanazawa's rainy climate. The moss and stones on the plate are inspired by Kenrokuen Garden, embodying the atmosphere of Kanazawa.
The "CAFECOCO," mixed with homemade coconut liqueur and coffee, also contains handmade spices for a drink that is not too sweet.

A flavorful drink crafted by brothers who speak three languages

There is no end to the fans who come looking forward to conversations with Masayoshi Karasawa (second son) and Naomichi (third son).
There is no end to the fans who come looking forward to conversations with Masayoshi Karasawa (second son) and Naomichi (third son)

These original cocktails are as beautiful as art, each with its own story and truly innovative. The vessels were collected while traveling around the world, and some are one-of-a-kind. However, there are no pictures on the menu because they want you to choose your cocktail based on your preferred flavors.
The half-French brothers who create these cocktails speak English, French, and Japanese, so it is common to hear multiple languages spoken in the bar. Just talking to the two of them makes you feel like you are in a foreign country, which is another part of the charm.

Local
Supporter

The master is so dedicated that he actively uses basil, Japanese pepper, and shiso grown at home to make his own homemade syrups. It is surprising that there is no cover charge despite such dedication.

FURANSU COCKTAIL BAR
  • Address2F Kita Building, 1-10 Kiguramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 8 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Korinbo," and walk for about 4 minutes
  • Business hours20:00 - 1:00 next day
  • ClosedWednesday
  • TEL070-8544-5049
  • ParkingNone *Paid parking available nearby
  • NotesNo cover charge

A small, hidden-gem beer bar located in Kanazawa Chuo Ajishokugai

The only beer served is Heartland draft. That single glass makes you realize once again how delicious draft beer can be.
The only beer served is Heartland draft. That single glass makes you realize once again how delicious draft beer can be

Located in the Kanazawa Chuo Mishokugai, a drinking alley with a Showa-era atmosphere, this small beer bar is loved by locals as a place where you can drink delicious draft beer. The draft beer, served using a unique double-pour method the master has cultivated over many years, releases gas along with large bubbles at first, condensing only the fine foam to achieve a golden ratio of 7:3 for foam to beer. It is characterized by not being overly carbonated, allowing you to enjoy the true taste of the beer and drink it deliciously until the very last drop. It pairs perfectly with their carefully selected food menu, such as pizza made from scratch and grilled king trumpet mushrooms with mayonnaise and cheese.

A master who has been dedicated to draft beer since the end of the Showa era

Our unique double-pour method, perfected through extensive research. This technique, which can truly be called craftsmanship, is a must-see.
A unique double-pour method arrived at through repeated research. The pouring technique, which can truly be called craftsmanship, is a must-see

The master has been involved in the draft beer industry since the end of the Showa era, and when he opened his first shop in the first year of the Heisei era, he traveled around Tokyo and other places to study shops with reputations for excellent beer pouring techniques. After turning 60, he wanted to relax in a small shop and serve the beer he loves, so he opened this shop in 2016. At the small counter with 6 to 7 seats, conversations between customers naturally arise, creating a friendly atmosphere. There are many tourists and business travelers from outside the prefecture, and another attraction is that you can get information about hidden local gems and bars from the master, who is well-connected in the industry.

Local
Supporter

The beer poured by the master doesn't make you feel bloated, so you might find yourself drinking "just one more." The food is delicious, and the warm atmosphere of the shop is irresistible. Kanazawa Chuo Mishokugai is an alleyway with 20 unique small shops, making it perfect for bar-hopping.

Beer Daru BJ
  • Address2-13-8 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Business hours18:30 - 24:00
  • ClosedSundays and Mondays *If there is a consecutive holiday, closed on the last day
  • TEL090-8969-8929
  • ParkingNone *Paid parking available nearby

A craft beer specialty shop where you can casually enjoy beer and gourmet food

"Seared Cured Mackerel and Kiwi" and "Corn and Fresh Ginger Spring Rolls." The beer is a half-pint size.
"Seared Cured Mackerel and Kiwi" and "Corn and Fresh Ginger Spring Rolls." Beer is available in half-pint sizes.

A craft beer specialty shop that always offers 6 varieties. The beers, carefully selected from breweries across the country, rotate every 3 days to a week, so you can encounter new flavors every time you visit. Each craft beer is unique, and if you are unsure what to order, the staff will make suggestions based on your preferences, making it easy for craft beer beginners to enjoy as well. The food menu mainly consists of Chinese-based multinational dishes that use local ingredients as much as possible, with about 20 items offered that are designed for pairing with beer. You can choose between pint (just under 500ml) and half-pint sizes, which is a nice feature that makes it easy to try various types.

Popular among travelers and foreign tourists for being able to drink during the day

Opened in 2016 by a master who gained experience at a long-established craft beer bar.
Opened in 2016 by a master who gained experience at a long-established craft beer bar.

Tucked away in a residential area just a step away from the downtown district, this shop is supported by local customers. With the desire to be a place where people can drink beer from the afternoon, it has maintained a 3:00 PM opening time since it first opened. It is popular with those leaving Kanazawa in the evening, as they can soak in the lingering memories of their trip before heading home. It is supported not only by local customers who say they discovered the appeal of craft beer here, but also by tourists from overseas who are accustomed to the culture of daytime drinking. It is a comfortable space for those who want to drink quietly alone as well as those who want to enjoy conversation.

Local
Supporter

The dishes are served on pottery created by the master's father, who is a Kutani ware artist. They match the multinational cuisine perfectly, allowing you to feel Kanazawa's culture with your eyes as well. Every dish is delicious and something to look forward to.

Craft Beer Dive Futa's
  • Address1F Satomicho Town Heights, 44-1 Satomicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 15 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Katamachi," and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Business hours15:00 - 22:00 (Food L.O. 21:00)
  • ClosedTuesdays *Irregular holidays may occur
  • TEL076-222-0593
  • ParkingNone *Paid parking available nearby

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
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*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.