Kagaya Kanazawa: Kanazawa Station’s Authentic Kaga Cuisine Restaurant Guide with Best Menu Picks
Kanazawa is a city that prospered as a castle town about 400 years ago and was famous as one of Japan's leading cultural cities at that time. This historic city still retains traditional streetscapes such as the Higashi Chaya District, and is known for having many particularly historical landmarks in Japan, including Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en.
Kanazawa is also a gourmet city where you can enjoy exquisite dishes made with fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan and local traditional vegetables. This time, we will introduce in detail the overview, attractions, and recommended menu items of the popular Japanese restaurant "Kagaya Kanazawa," where you can casually enjoy "Kaga Dish," a traditional Japanese cuisine from Ishikawa Prefecture.
In Kanazawa, You Can Enjoy Various Exquisite Gourmet Foods, Including the Traditional "Kaga Dish" of Ishikawa Prefecture
In Kanazawa, you can savor a variety of exquisite gourmet foods, including Kaga Dish, the traditional cuisine of Ishikawa Prefecture, made with fresh seafood caught in the abundant fishing grounds of the Sea of Japan and local traditional vegetables.
Kaga Dish is a collective term for local cuisine made with ingredients from Kanazawa, and is a masterpiece that fuses Kanazawa's food culture with authentic Japanese cuisine. My favorite point about Kaga Dish is that you can also enjoy its beautiful appearance, served on traditional crafts such as Kutani-yaki and Wajima-nuri lacquerware.
In addition, Kanazawa offers other unique exquisite gourmet foods such as Kanazawa's original curry rice, local ramen, and oden made with traditional vegetables (a Japanese hot pot dish where vegetables and boiled eggs are simmered in broth).
If You Want to Enjoy the Finest Kaga Dish in Kanazawa, Kagaya Kanazawa Is Highly Recommended!
Source:Tabelog
If you want to enjoy authentic Kaga Dish in Kanazawa, Kagaya Kanazawa, located inside Kanazawa Station, is highly recommended! Kagaya Kanazawa is a Japanese restaurant operated by a historic hot spring inn in Ishikawa Prefecture, and has gained popularity for allowing visitors to casually enjoy exquisite Kaga Dish.
At Kagaya Kanazawa, you can enjoy excellent Kaga Dish, including Jibuni, a representative local dish of Kanazawa, fresh sashimi, and tempura made with seasonal traditional vegetables. My favorite aspect of the Kaga Dish served at this restaurant is also its colorful and beautiful presentation.
This restaurant is located in the prime location inside Kanazawa Station and does not require reservations, so please feel free to enjoy Kaga Dish between your Kanazawa sightseeing activities.
Overview and Access to Kagaya Kanazawa
<Information>
- Address: 1-1 Kinosinbo-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture (Kanazawa 100bangai Anto)
- Access: Directly connected to Kanazawa Station
- Business Hours: [Lunch] 11:00-15:00 [Dinner] 16:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Regular Holiday: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 076-263-2221
- Official Website: https://www.kagaya.co.jp/shoku/shop/kanazawa.php
Three Attractions of Kagaya Where You Can Savor Kaga Dish
First-Class Kaga Dish in Both Appearance and Taste
Source:Tabelog
The Kaga Dish served at Kagaya Kanazawa allows you to enjoy both the delicate flavors that maximize the taste of ingredients and beautiful presentation that resembles works of art.
The dishes are served on traditional Ishikawa Prefecture crafts such as Wajima-nuri lacquerware, Kutani-yaki, and Ohi-yaki. The colorful dishes look beautiful against the traditional crafts with their deep hues, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful presentation unique to Kanazawa, where food culture and traditional crafts are fused.
Additionally, the secret to the popularity of Kagaya Kanazawa's Kaga Dish is its high-quality taste using seasonal ingredients such as fresh seafood from Noto, Kaga lotus root, and Gorojima Kintoki (sweet potato). Please be sure to savor the exquisite Kaga Dish that combines both appearance and taste.
Carefully Selected Sake That Pairs Perfectly with Kaga Dish
Source:Tabelog
My recommendation is that at Kagaya Kanazawa, you can enjoy a wide variety of carefully selected local sake from Ishikawa Prefecture, matched with Kaga Dish.
Ishikawa Prefecture is famous as a treasure trove of fine sake, with an environment well-suited for sake brewing, including harsh winter cold, snowmelt water from majestic mountains, and delicious rice. Kaga Dish, with its elegant taste that makes the most of the flavors of seasonal seafood and vegetables, pairs well with delicate sake that lets you feel the sweetness of rice.
Ishikawa Prefecture's sake ranges from fruity and rich flavors to dry and crisp tastes, offering a diverse array of sake. Please try enjoying various sakes paired with dishes, such as refreshing sake with tempura and aromatic sake with simmered dishes.
Excellent Location Directly Connected to Kanazawa Station
Source:Tabelog
One of the great attractions of Kagaya Kanazawa is its outstanding convenience of being directly connected to Kanazawa Station. Kagaya Kanazawa is located in a section of the dining area "Kanazawa 100bangai Anto" inside Kanazawa Station, allowing you to efficiently enjoy authentic Kaga Dish in conjunction with Shinkansen arrivals and departures in Kanazawa.
Because it is located inside Kanazawa Station, you can access it without getting wet even on rainy or snowy days, and my recommendation is that you can enjoy it comfortably even in bad weather. Kanazawa Station also has coin lockers and a multilingual tourist information center, making it perfect as a base for Kanazawa sightseeing.
Recommended Menu Items to Order at Kagaya Kanazawa
Kaga-yuzen
Source:Tabelog
Kaga-yuzen is a menu that allows you to enjoy a wide variety of Kaga Dish at once, with colorful small plates beautifully arranged. This dish is inspired by the vibrant colors of Kaga-yuzen, Kanazawa's traditional dyeing technique, where you can enjoy both visual beauty and the diverse flavors of Kaga Dish simultaneously.
The appeal of this menu is that you can taste various cooking methods such as appetizers, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled fish, and tempura in small portions, allowing you to understand the full picture of Kaga Dish. Also, since there are many types of dishes, it's interesting to try comparing different sake that pair well with each one.
The presentation inspired by the traditional color aesthetics of Kaga-yuzen is perfect for photos, and I found myself taking pictures over and over again. Try Kaga-yuzen and experience the essence of Kaga Dish.
<Note>
- Price: 7,700 yen (as of October 14, 2025)
Noto Beef Tamatebako
Source:Tabelog
Noto Beef Tamatebako is a dish where you can luxuriously enjoy Noto beef, the brand Wagyu beef that Ishikawa Prefecture is proud of. Noto beef is Japanese Black beef raised in the rich natural environment of the Noto region, characterized by fine marbling and tender texture.
Noto Beef Tamatebako uses only Noto beef that meets strict standards, and when you put it in your mouth, high-quality meat juices spread. Thick-cut steak is placed on top of freshly cooked rice from Ishikawa Prefecture, creating an exquisite harmony between the sweetness of the rice and the umami of the meat.
Noto beef has limited production and is a precious ingredient that is hard to find outside of Ishikawa Prefecture. I recommend this for those who want to savor this rare brand Wagyu beef unique to Kanazawa, even among high-quality Wagyu beef.
<Note>
- Price: 4,800 yen (as of October 14, 2025)
Kitokito-zen
Source:Tabelog
Kitokito-zen is a menu where you can fully enjoy fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan. "Kitokito" is a dialect word from the Hokuriku region meaning "fresh." As the name suggests, Kitokito-zen allows you to enjoy 10 types of seafood as sashimi with outstanding freshness.
Fresh sashimi pairs well with warm rice, and my favorite way to eat it is with a small amount of soy sauce and plenty of wasabi. Seasonal fish and shellfish such as tuna, sweet shrimp, and yellowtail have little fishy smell, so even foreigners eating raw fish for the first time can enjoy them with confidence.
Furthermore, Kitokito-zen comes with Jibuni (traditional simmered duck meat and vegetables), a representative of Kaga Dish, where you can taste the flavor of dashi that is different from sashimi. I recommend this for those who want to enjoy local cuisine centered on Kanazawa's fresh seafood.
<Note>
- Price: 3,800 yen (as of October 14, 2025)
Tamahime-zen
Source:Tabelog
Tamahime-zen is a menu where you can enjoy a wide variety of Kaga Dish including 7 types of sushi made with fresh seafood, tempura of Kaga vegetables, and Jibuni. In particular, the 7 types of sushi made with freshly caught seafood are visually beautiful, and you can taste seafood so fresh that you can see the wasabi between the topping and rice through it.
Also, with this menu, you can enjoy tempura of Kanazawa's traditional vegetables such as Kaga lotus root and Gorojima Kintoki. My favorite part is that heating concentrates the umami of the vegetables, allowing you to feel the original flavor and sweetness of the vegetables.
How about fully enjoying Kanazawa's seasonal nature and historic food culture through seasonal ingredients such as Kanazawa's traditional vegetables and seafood?
<Note>
- Price: 3,800 yen (as of October 14, 2025)
If You Want to Enjoy the Best Kaga Dish, Kanazawa's Oldest Restaurant "Tsubajin" is Also Recommended!
Source: Official website
After learning about the appeal of Kaga Dish at Kagaya Kanazawa, I also recommend experiencing more authentic Kaga Dish at Tsubajin, Kanazawa's oldest restaurant.
Tsubajin is a historic restaurant established in 1752, where you can experience traditional cooking methods and prestigious hospitality that have been passed down for over 250 years. My favorite point about Tsubajin is that you can slowly savor Kaga Dish in private rooms with traditional Japanese architecture.
At Tsubajin, you can enjoy not only the high-quality taste made with premium ingredients such as fresh seafood and seasonal traditional vegetables, but also the presentation that is as beautiful as a work of art. If you want to further savor the depth of Kaga Dish at this historic restaurant, please visit along with Kagaya Kanazawa.
Tsubajin is completely reservation-only, so I recommend making a reservation early when you visit.
<Information>
- Address: 5-1-8 Teramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business hours: [Lunch] 11:00-14:00 (last entry 13:00) [Dinner] 17:00-21:00 (last entry 19:00) *Breakfast at 7:00/8:00/9:00/10:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 076-241-2181
- Official website: https://tsubajin.co.jp/
When You Come to Kanazawa, Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine at Restaurants Loved by Locals!
Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is a gourmet tour that visits famous restaurants loved by locals in Katamachi, Kanazawa's representative entertainment district. You will visit 3 hidden izakaya (Japanese bars) and restaurants where you can enjoy excellent Kanazawa gourmet food and drinks such as seafood dishes and oden made with fresh seafood caught in the waters near Kanazawa.
In Kanazawa, where old townscapes remain, there are many izakaya and restaurants where you can taste exquisite cuisine not only on the main streets but also in back alleys. With this tour guided by a local guide, you can savor local gourmet food at hidden gem restaurants known only to locals.
Since this tour also includes a walk through the historic samurai residence district, I recommend participating in comfortable walking shoes.
<Information>
- Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg
- Tour area: Korinbo to Katamachi
- Start time: 18:00~
Two Things to Enjoy at Kanazawa Station Along with Kagaya
Kanazawa Station is not only a transportation hub but also a tourist spot where you can enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and architectural beauty. Below, we introduce some of Kanazawa's best photo spots and souvenir shops that you should definitely visit when enjoying Kaga Dish at Kagaya Kanazawa.
Capture Photos of Kanazawa Station's Symbol, "Tsuzumi Gate"
Tuzumi Gate, located right in front of you as you exit the east entrance of Kanazawa Station, is a popular photo spot as a representative architectural structure of Kanazawa.
Tuzumi Gate is modeled after the tsuzumi (drum) used in Kaga Hosho, a traditional performing art of Kanazawa. The 13.7-meter-high gate structure supported by giant spiral wooden pillars is breathtaking, and together with the glass rain shelter ceiling called the Motenashi Dome, it has become the symbol of Kanazawa Station.
Another reason I recommend Tuzumi Gate is that you can enjoy the illumination from sunset until midnight. When you visit Kanazawa Station at night, be sure to capture the special sight of Tuzumi Gate illuminated in Kanazawa's traditional five colors (red, blue, green, orange, and purple).
Purchase Exquisite Food and Souvenirs at Kanazawa 100bangai
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Kanazawa 100bangai is a shopping facility inside Kanazawa Station. It is divided into three zones: Anto, where you can enjoy gourmet food and souvenir shopping; Anto-nishi, where you can purchase local food and daily necessities; and Rinto, a fashion floor.
Among them, Anto, where Kagaya Kanazawa is located, is the perfect floor not only for dining on the spot but also for purchasing Kanazawa's specialty products and souvenirs. A wide variety of products are available, including miscellaneous goods using gold leaf, a traditional Kanazawa craft, and visually beautiful Japanese sweets, all perfect as souvenirs to bring back to your home country.
Anto brings together Kanazawa's traditional crafts and famous confections, and I was able to fully experience Kanazawa's culture just by looking around. When dining at Kagaya Kanazawa, please also enjoy selecting souvenirs of Kanazawa's specialties.
After Dining at Kagaya, Explore the Tourist Attractions Around Kanazawa Station
After savoring Kaga Dish at Kagaya Kanazawa, visit the major tourist attractions scattered throughout central Kanazawa to experience the city's history and culture even more deeply.
Kanazawa has many must-see spots, including Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three most famous gardens; Kanazawa Castle, a historic castle structure; and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, one of Japan's premier contemporary art spots. In particular, at Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle, you can fully enjoy Kanazawa's history and nature throughout the four seasons.
The main tourist spots in Kanazawa are within walking distance, and the fact that you can efficiently visit them while strolling through the city is also an attractive point. Additionally, from Kanazawa Station, where Kagaya Kanazawa is located, you can access Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle in about 20 minutes using the Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Why not experience history, nature, and art at tourist spots that represent Kanazawa?
[Kenroku-en]
<Information>
- Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: [March 1 October 15] 7:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30) [October 16 End of February] 8:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
[Kanazawa Castle]
<Information>
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: [March 1 October 15] 7:00-18:00 [October 16 End of February] 8:00-17:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/
[21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa]
<Information>
- Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: [Exhibition Zone] 10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) [Exchange Zone] 9:00-22:00
- Closed: [Exhibition Zone] Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays [Exchange Zone] Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone Number: 076-220-2800
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
If You Come to Kanazawa, a City Where Japanese Tradition and History Live and Breathe, Enjoy Exploring the City Too
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour takes you to Kanazawa's major tourist attractions, including Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle, as well as the Higashi Chaya District, where you can stroll through traditional townscapes.
Also, what I recommend about this tour is that you can enjoy food experiences unique to Kanazawa, such as eating while walking around Omicho Market, which boasts a history of about 300 years, and dining while viewing Japan's oldest fountain.
This approximately 5-hour tour involves walking around the city while visiting tourist spots and having meals, so please participate in clothing appropriate for the season, such as measures against heat in summer and cold in winter.
<Information>
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour Area: Musashigatsuchi Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en area Higashiyama
- Start Time: 10:00-
