Kanazawa Sushi 2025: Ultimate Guide to Top Sushi Spots, Hidden Gems & Seasonal Delights
During the Edo period, Kanazawa flourished as a castle town of the wealthy Kaga domain, known as "Kaga Hyakumangoku," and today it remains a beautiful city where history and tradition come alive. "Hyakumangoku" refers to rice production volume - a unit representing economic power at the time - meaning that the former Kaga domain boasted top-class prosperity in Japan.
These remnants still remain throughout the city today, with spots like Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District where you can feel the essence of "authentic Japan" wherever you walk.
Kanazawa's charm actually lies in its "cuisine" as well. This city facing the Japan Sea sees different seasonal fish landed throughout the year, so no matter when you visit, you can taste the most delicious seafood of that particular time. This time, we'll introduce carefully selected exquisite seafood you can taste in Kanazawa and recommended sushi restaurants you should visit.
Table of Contents
-3 Selected Premium Sushi Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Seafood - Author's Recommendations for Kanazawa Sushi 2025
-Ultimate Luxury Sushi Restaurants to Visit on Special Occasions in Kanazawa Sushi 2025
-The "Big Three Sushi Chains" That Define Kanazawa Sushi 2025
-Unique Seafood Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Sushi and Seafood Cuisine
Kanazawa is Famous as One of Japan's Premier Areas for Abundant Marine Products
Kanazawa is rich in seafood, and not only locals but food connoisseurs from all over Japan unanimously say "Kanazawa fish is exceptional."
Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kanazawa is located, is surrounded by sea on three sides and serves as an excellent fishing ground where the warm Tsushima Current and cold Liman Current meet. The collision of these cold and warm currents creates an ideal environment for fish, resulting in abundant catches of fresh seafood throughout the four seasons.
When you visit Kanazawa, please experience the local seasonal flavors unique to this area. It's truly a "treasure trove of food"!
Each Season Offers Peak Fish, Allowing You to Enjoy the Most Delicious Seafood at Any Time
Here are the seasonal seafood you can taste uniquely in Kanazawa.
Spring (March-May) brings exquisite transparent and elegant sayori (halfbeak) sashimi. The "phantom shrimp" known as gas-ebi, known only to locals, is sweeter than sweet shrimp with a firm, bouncy texture. Since its freshness deteriorates quickly, it's a luxurious dish you can only taste in Kanazawa, its place of origin. Natural cockles from Nanao Bay are also a special delicacy available only during this period.
Summer (June-August) features fishing boat lights lined up on the horizon for squid fishing, creating a seasonal sight. The sweetness of fresh squid and the rich flavor of natural rock oysters from Noto are unforgettable. Noto oysters are truly exceptional with their thick flesh and no fishy smell.
Autumn (September-November) - during this season, Kanazawa is synonymous with sweet shrimp. The transparent flesh raised in 500-meter-deep waters concentrates sweetness and richness. Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), called "white fish toro," is also at its peak during this time. The rich umami of nodoguro will surely captivate you once you try it.
Winter (December-February) is the best season for seafood. Fatty winter yellowtail can also be enjoyed in the local dish "kabura-zushi." The winter kings - kano crab and kobako crab, especially the kobako crab's internal roe (immature eggs), are the ultimate delicacy available only for a short period until the end of December.
To taste seasonal fish at their peak, sushi is definitely the way to go. At Kanazawa's sushi restaurants, skilled chefs select the day's most delicious seasonal fish and provide supreme dishes with their refined techniques.
3 Selected Premium Sushi Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Seafood - Author's Recommendations for Kanazawa Sushi 2025
Kourin Sushi
Source:Tripadvisor
Kourin Sushi is a long-established restaurant founded in 1951, but it's also tourist-friendly, having been selected as one of "Japan's Restaurants Popular with Foreigners 2018" on TripAdvisor. The menu includes photos and English descriptions, so you can dine with confidence.
Kourin Sushi is located just a few minutes' walk from Omicho Market, where seafood caught in the Japan Sea and local agricultural products gather. Taking advantage of this location, they purchase fresh ingredients every morning, and popular items sometimes sell out, requiring additional trips to the market.
For lunch, you can enjoy 9 pieces of nigiri for 1,100 yen and seafood bowls for 1,320 yen at reasonable prices, yet the quality is so good that even locals praise "the shari (sushi rice) is excellent."
It's conveniently close to Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, making it easy to stop by during sightseeing. While dinner reservations are essential, the intimate atmosphere of this small restaurant with 6 counter seats and 10 table seats is also an attractive feature. It's a special place where you can enjoy Kanazawa's seasonal specialties alongside regular customers.
This comprehensive Kanazawa Sushi 2025 guide ensures you'll experience the finest seasonal seafood and traditional sushi craftsmanship that make Kanazawa a premier culinary destination.
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Address: 79 Hakuromachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:30-13:30,17:30-21：30
Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays
Phone Number: 076-231-5964
Official Website: http://www.kourin1.com/
Otome Sushi
Source:Tabelog
Otome Sushi is a legendary establishment that holds a position among the "Kanazawa Sushi 5 Great Châteaux" and has earned two Michelin stars. This prestigious restaurant, established in 1995, is located in the bustling entertainment district just a 5-minute walk from Korinbo.
The sushi at Otome Sushi is perfectly seasoned, so unlike typical sushi, you don't dip it in soy sauce. The masterful techniques of the head chef and artisans create magically beautiful cuisine, with one emotional review stating: "The moment I tasted the first sweet shrimp, it was so delicious that I felt what I had eaten before wasn't really sweet shrimp at all."
The cuisine, which would cost "three times the price in Tokyo," is offered through omakase courses starting from 22,000 yen. Focusing on local ingredients such as sweet shrimp, kobako crab, snow crab, and botan shrimp, the restaurant has earned such acclaim that one regular customer of 16 years declares it "the most delicious sushi I've ever had."
While reservations are difficult to secure, the restaurant also accepts bookings through TABLEALL.
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Address: 4-10 Kikura-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 12:00-14:00, 17:00-19:30
Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays
Phone: 076-231-7447
Official Website: None
Sushi Kibatani
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Kibatani opened in 2016 and, despite being relatively new, quickly gained attention and acclaim. The restaurant earned one Michelin star in 2021, and the head chef, born as the son of a fishmonger, is so particular about ingredients that he drives to Himi Fish Market in Toyama Prefecture every morning to source fresh fish.
The restaurant offers innovative dishes like Hokuriku local horsehair crab with sea urchin cream and kobako crab soup, with some guests commenting "I thought it was French cuisine." The sushi combines Edomae techniques with Hokuriku fish in a unique style, with nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and white shrimp being absolutely exquisite.
The hideaway restaurant is housed in a renovated traditional house in Kazuemachi with only 9 counter seats, offering omakase courses starting from 42,500 yen. Reservations are essential, but TABLEALL bookings are accepted. It's a 10-minute taxi ride from Kanazawa Station and about 7 minutes by car from Kenrokuen Garden. The experience of tasting Hokuriku's oceanic treasures will surely become a lifelong memory.
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Address: 1F, 1-8-26 Hikoso-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:00-21:00
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 076-256-1218
Official Website: None
Ultimate Luxury Sushi Restaurants to Visit on Special Occasions in Kanazawa Sushi 2025
Komatsu Yasuke
Source:Tabelog
Komatsu Yasuke is acclaimed as a representative sushi establishment of Japan, known as "Sukiyabashi Jiro in the East, Komatsu Yasuke in the West." "East" refers to Japan's eastern side (Pacific side), while "West" refers to the western side (Japan Sea side).
The restaurant is famous for sushi crafted by the legendary 93-year-old artisan (as of 2024) Kazuo Morita, whose techniques are considered among Japan's finest and have been praised even by the previous generation of Ginza Kyubei. Morita's personality is equally outstanding, and his warm approach of smiling and saying "It's delicious, isn't it!" has earned acclaim from international tourists who declare it "The best sushi we ever had!"
A must-try is the signature "unakyu-maki" (eel and cucumber roll). The hot, perfectly prepared eel is exquisite and has been called "the world's best." I personally cannot forget the thinly sliced squid nigiri, with its perfect balance of sesame, salt, and yuzu.
The restaurant operates only during daytime hours and requires reservations. Access is excellent, just a 4-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station. While Morita-san may not be visible at the restaurant every day now, his techniques have been faithfully passed down to his disciples. For special occasions and memorable experiences, this is definitely worth experiencing the emotion firsthand.
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Address: 1F Kanazawa Chaya Bekkan, 2-17-21 Honmachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:30-13:00, 13:00-14:30, 14:30-16:00 (3-session complete reservation system)
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Phone: 076-231-1001
Official Website: None
Sushi Asanogawa
Source:Google Maps
Sushi Asanogawa is a renowned establishment housed in a beautiful traditional house with lattice doors, standing along the Asano River in Kanazawa's Kazuemachi tea house district. This restaurant continues the legacy of Komatsu Yasuke's flavors.
Having directly inherited techniques from Kazuo Morita of Komatsu Yasuke, who was acclaimed as "Western Japan's finest sushi craftsman," the restaurant particularly excels in "marinated lean tuna," a signature dish passed down directly from Morita. The deep flavors continue to move visitors to emotion.
The nigiri sushi is crafted in a "pinched shape" for easy eating, even for geishas, and the presentation using beautifully painted Kutani porcelware is magnificent. Visitors have shared feedback such as "I was moved by the performance of 19 dishes" and "the 2.5 hours passed in the blink of an eye."
Reservations can be made through the official website. Combined with a stroll through Kanazawa's beautiful tea house district, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime special sushi experience in the heart of Kanazawa Sushi 2025 culture.
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Address: 2-13 Kazuemachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours:11:30-14:30 (L.O. 14:00),17:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Phone: 076-222-1114
Official Website: https://www.sushiasanogawa.jp/
Discover Kanazawa Sushi 2025: A Culinary Journey Through Japan's Premier Food Destination
If you want to explore the rich food culture that makes Kanazawa Sushi 2025 such an exceptional destination, the Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is highly recommended! This 3.5-hour tour features English-speaking local guides who will introduce you to hidden gem restaurants that tourists rarely discover on their own.
Centered around Kanazawa's vibrant Katamachi district, you'll visit 3 beloved local izakayas and bars, savoring Kanazawa's distinctive cuisine including fresh sashimi, expertly prepared fried foods, and soul-warming oden. Each establishment offers local sake, traditional matcha, and Japanese confections, with all food and beverages included for a truly worry-free experience.
Additionally, you'll stroll through historic samurai district streets with your guide, learning fascinating stories about Kanazawa's rich culture and history. The intimate small-group format ensures first-time visitors and solo travelers feel completely comfortable, while guides provide full support with ordering and menu selection, eliminating any language concerns.
This tour perfectly captures why Kanazawa Sushi 2025 represents the pinnacle of authentic Japanese dining experiences. Spend an unforgettable evening at restaurants cherished by generations of locals!
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Meeting point: In front of the clothing store "BEAMS" in Korinbo Ramoda Bldg.
Tour area: Katamachi
Start time: 18:00
Click here for more details
The "Big Three Sushi Chains" That Define Kanazawa Sushi 2025
Kanazawa features three legendary conveyor belt sushi chains known as the "Big Three," representing the heart of what makes Kanazawa Sushi 2025 so exceptional. Each establishment has been beloved by locals for decades, showcasing authentic craftsmanship where skilled sushi masters prepare fresh catches from the Sea of Japan right before your eyes.
These must-visit destinations offer premium-quality ingredients at remarkably reasonable prices, perfectly embodying the Kanazawa Sushi 2025 experience.
Mori Mori Sushi Omicho
Source:Ohmicho Ichiba
Located within the famous Omicho Market, Mori Mori Sushi Omicho stands as a flagship representation of Kanazawa Sushi 2025, captivating both discerning locals and international visitors.
Its prime market location ensures unparalleled ingredient freshness. The signature three-piece platter allows you to sample three premium varieties in single servings. The combination featuring jumbo botan shrimp, fresh sea urchin, and premium bluefin tuna belly exemplifies why Kanazawa Sushi 2025 has gained worldwide recognition.
International visitors appreciate the English-compatible touch panels for effortless ordering and comprehensive photo menus. Opening at 8 AM allows early arrivals to minimize wait times.
Enthusiastic reviews include "Worth every minute of the 90-minute wait!" and "Surpasses Tokyo's high-end establishments!" The incredible value of approximately 9,000 yen for two people enjoying 16 sushi plates and beer demonstrates the exceptional Kanazawa Sushi 2025 experience.
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Address: 88 Aokusa-cho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours:8:00-16:30
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-262-7477
Official website: None
Kanazawa Maimon Sushi
Source:Tabelog
Kanazawa Maimon Sushi, an extraordinarily popular chain originating from Ishikawa Prefecture, exemplifies the Kanazawa Sushi 2025 standard. The convenient station location inside Kanazawa Station allows visitors to experience authentic flavors immediately upon Shinkansen arrival.
The exceptional fish freshness defines this Kanazawa Sushi 2025 experience. Local fish shipped directly from the Sea of Japan receives international acclaim: "Far superior in taste and texture compared to Tokyo establishments!" The grilled nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), white shrimp, and gas shrimp deliver unforgettable, exceptional flavors.
Complete English menus and English-speaking staff ensure comfortable dining, while tablet ordering eliminates communication barriers entirely.
Though priced at 3,000-5,000 yen per person, continuous testimonials praise "Quality beyond conventional conveyor belt expectations" and "Genuine value matching investment," guaranteeing the premium Kanazawa Sushi 2025 experience.
This extremely popular destination requires patience for seating, but delivers the authentic "Truly glad I experienced this!" sentiment that defines must-visit Kanazawa Sushi 2025 establishments.
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Address: 3-20-7 Ekinishi Shinmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: None
Phone number: Toll-free: 0120-611-448
Direct store line: 076-234-1144
Official website: https://www.maimon-susi.com/
Sushikuinee! Matto Honten
Source:Official website
Sushikuinee! represents another pillar of the Kanazawa Sushi 2025 landscape, beloved by locals throughout the region. Matto Honten, as the original location of this Ishikawa Prefecture-born chain, continues attracting devoted locals and curious tourists seeking authentic Kanazawa Sushi 2025 experiences.
Extraordinary value defines this establishment, with weekday lunch sets offering 8 sushi pieces plus miso soup for just 680 yen (tax included), or 11 pieces for 1,190 yen (tax included) - demonstrating accessible Kanazawa Sushi 2025 excellence. Direct shipments from Kanazawa Port ensure freshness that generates rave reviews: "Super-thick sea bream and melt-in-your-mouth tuna texture!"
Authentic craftsmanship features sushi masters preparing orders before guests' eyes, complemented by the delightful miniature Hokuriku Shinkansen delivery service. English-compatible touch panels facilitate seamless ordering for international visitors exploring Kanazawa Sushi 2025.
Typical wait times of 30-60 minutes reflect popularity among both tourists and locals seeking genuine, affordable sushi representing the true spirit of Kanazawa Sushi 2025.
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Address: 617 Tanaka-cho, Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-248-4002
Official website: https://www.sushikuine.co.jp/
Unique Seafood Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Sushi and Seafood Cuisine
Kanazawa's experiential gourmet spots "TILE" and "COIL" are innovative seafood restaurants that go beyond traditional sushi establishments. Both restaurants offer a modern twist on Japanese cuisine, providing a new style of dining where you can deeply experience Japanese food culture.
For visitors seeking the ultimate Kanazawa Sushi 2025 experience, these venues represent the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
TILE
Source:Official website
TILE, a seafood bowl specialty restaurant housed in a renovated 110-year-old traditional townhouse, is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a completely different dining experience from conventional sushi. The most attractive feature of TILE is that you can create your own personalized seafood bowl.
Choose from about 30 types of fresh ingredients to design your original "Kanazawa Yakumi Kaisendon" (seasoned seafood bowl). Local ingredients are abundant, including nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), Noto fugu (pufferfish), and red snow crab. The various ingredients arranged in glass vessels look exactly like a jewelry box. It's absolutely perfect for photos too.
International tourists who have visited have given rave reviews, saying "The atmosphere is really cool and the service is perfect!" How about experiencing innovative dining in traditional Japanese architecture as a memorable part of your journey? This represents the epitome of Kanazawa Sushi 2025 innovation.
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Address: 4-18 Konohana-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours:11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:00),17:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 076-255-2802
Official Website: https://tile-japan.jp/
COIL
Source:Official website
COIL is a unique sushi restaurant located just a 1-minute walk from Omicho Market. The main attraction is that you can make your own thin sushi rolls. Choose 5-8 items from over 40 types of fresh seafood ingredients to create your own original rolled sushi. In addition to tuna and salmon, you'll find Kanazawa specialties like nodoguro, crab, and salmon roe, plus unique options like Gorgonzola cheese.
The fresh ingredients served on beautifully painted Kutani porcelain dishes are visually stunning and perfect for Instagram. Tempura is also included, and as options, you can enjoy soup where ingredients emerge from monaka wafers and Japanese tea, allowing you to fully experience Japanese culture. The dishes served are so stylish that you'll be excited even before eating. This truly embodies the modern Kanazawa Sushi 2025 dining experience.
The interior has a stylish and calm atmosphere that can be enjoyed by couples and families alike. For creating memories of your Kanazawa trip, definitely give this experience a try!
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Address: 2F Kanazawa Hakomachi, 1-1 Fukuro-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00-21:30 (L.O. 20:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 076-256-5076
Official Website: https://coil-japan.jp/
When You Come to Kanazawa, a City Where Japanese Tradition and History Live On, Enjoy Exploring the City Along with the Food
If you want to know more about Kanazawa's charm, we recommend the Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour where you can walk through the city with a local guide! This tour packs Kanazawa's representative attractions into just half a day, making it perfect for experiencing the essence of Kanazawa Sushi 2025 culture and beyond.
First, enjoy fresh seafood and Kaga vegetables at Omicho Market, which has over 300 years of history. Next, visit Kenroku-en Garden, which boasts beauty throughout the four seasons, and Kanazawa Castle Park, related to the Maeda family who ruled the Kaga domain. Furthermore, after experiencing traditional Japanese sweets making and tasting them with matcha at the Japanese Sweets Museum, you'll stroll through the Higashi Chaya District.
The charm of this tour is that while walking through tourist attractions, the guide shares local episodes and trivia, making the city's history and culture feel much more accessible.
This is the perfect tour for those who want to have a special experience where they not only "saw" Kanazawa but truly "got to know" it. By the time you return, you'll surely love Kanazawa even more!
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Meeting point: In front of FamilyMart + Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour area: Historical sites of Kanazawa
Start time: 10:00
Click here for more details
