Otome Sushi Kanazawa: Complete Guide to Japan's Hidden 2-Michelin-Star Gem Beloved by Locals
Kanazawa is a cultural city that prospered during the Edo period (1603-1868), and is a town where many traditional Japanese crafts and historical buildings remain.
It is highly regarded both domestically and internationally as a place where you can experience Japanese aesthetics through Japanese tea ceremony, gold leaf, and traditional townhouses.
Additionally, Kanazawa, which faces the Sea of Japan, is abundant with ingredients from the local food culture that has been passed down, including seasonal seafood and Kaga vegetables, and is a place where you can experience authentic Japanese flavors.
Among these, what is considered the symbol of Kanazawa's food culture is sushi created with the finest ingredients and techniques.
In this article, we introduce Otome Sushi, a Michelin two-star sushi restaurant that you should definitely visit when you come to Kanazawa.
Table of Contents
-Three Charms of Otome Sushi, Kanazawa's Representative Renowned Sushi Restaurant
-Three Types of Sushi I Recommend You Try
-Three Popular Kanazawa Sushi Restaurants Alongside Otome Sushi
-Three Food-Related Spots to Visit for Foodies Coming to Kanazawa
Kanazawa Offers Exquisite Gourmet Cuisine Including Fresh Seafood
Kanazawa faces the Sea of Japan, and fresh seafood is landed throughout the year.
Dishes that bring out the umami of fish, such as kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) and grilled blackthroat seaperch with salt, are among the representative gourmet foods of Kanazawa.
Additionally, jibu-ni (Kaga-style duck stew with vegetables) and hasumushi (steamed lotus root dumpling) made with Kaga vegetables have been passed down as hospitality dishes from the samurai culture.
In this way, you can experience the rich food culture through diverse cuisine in Kanazawa.
For Authentic Sushi in Kanazawa, Otome Sushi is Highly Recommended!
If you want to taste authentic sushi in Kanazawa, Otome Sushi is highly recommended.
While it is a renowned restaurant that has earned a Michelin two-star rating, it is a sushi restaurant that has long been supported not only by tourists but also by local regular customers.
You can taste pieces of sushi that make the most of the natural flavors of ingredients, using seasonal seafood purchased on the morning of that day.
When I visit Kanazawa myself, eating sushi here is one of the purposes of my trip.
Once you taste it, you should be able to understand why this restaurant has been chosen by local people.
Overview and Access to Otome Sushi
Address: 4-10 Kikuramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Lunch 12:00-14:00/ Dinner 17:00-22:00
Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Phone Number: 076-231-7447
Official Website: None
Three Charms of Otome Sushi, Kanazawa's Representative Renowned Sushi Restaurant
Exquisite Sushi Using Luxurious Premium Ingredients
Source:Tabelog
One of the charms of Otome Sushi is that you can taste premium ingredients unique to Kanazawa, such as blackthroat seaperch, female snow crab, and white shrimp, in their finest condition.
Kanazawa, which faces the Sea of Japan, has rich fishing grounds where cold and warm currents meet, and is blessed with an environment where seafood grows in the best condition.
The artisans assess the freshness and seasonality of these premium ingredients and carefully craft each piece of sushi to make it even more delicious.
In other words, at Otome Sushi, you can taste sushi where the potential of premium ingredients has been maximized.
The sushi at Otome Sushi is truly edible art, where ingredients and craftsmanship become one.
High-Quality Dishes Packed with Japan's Finest Techniques
Source:Tabelog
The nigiri at Otome Sushi has a simple appearance, but each piece contains advanced techniques.
The seasoned sushi rice is adjusted in temperature and firmness according to the type of fish, and when gripping, air is incorporated without applying force, creating a texture that gently falls apart the moment it enters your mouth.
The sushi toppings have their umami brought out through processes such as kombu curing and aging, and are finished with salt or citrus peel according to each ingredient, so there is no need to add soy sauce.
When you put it in your mouth, the sushi toppings and seasoned sushi rice dissolve simultaneously, and the umami spreads as one.
This exquisite balance can only be achieved through the techniques of skilled sushi artisans.
Not Only Sushi, but Sashimi and Individual Dishes are Also of Overwhelming Quality
Source:Tabelog
At Otome Sushi, not only nigiri sushi but also sashimi and individual dishes are served in the first half of the course.
The sashimi made with seasonal fish has its cutting method and aging condition adjusted to bring out the umami of each ingredient, and the moment you put it in your mouth, the natural sweetness and aroma of the fish spreads.
Additionally, dishes such as shirako (cod milt) and grilled blackthroat seaperch have their heat application adjusted according to the quality of fat and moisture content of the ingredients, resulting in a texture that is fragrant on the outside and melts on the inside.
At Otome Sushi, there is also an abundant selection of local sake from Ishikawa Prefecture, and one of its charms is that you can enjoy pairing with the dishes.
Please take your time to savor the individual dishes together with sake.
When You Come to Otome Sushi, You Should Order the "Chef's Recommendation"
At Otome Sushi, all sushi is served omakase-style by the chef.
This is because the condition of the fish changes daily, so they use the best ingredients of the day and prepare them with the optimal cooking method.
Rather than a style where you choose from a menu yourself, by using ingredients selected by the craftsman's expert eye, you can taste dishes in their finest condition.
It is also best to leave the pairing with local sake to the chef.
Three Types of Sushi I Recommend You Try
Based on my personal experience, I'd like to introduce the sushi I especially recommend at Otome Sushi.
Depending on the season and what's available, these may not always be served, but if you encounter them, you'll truly feel the value of visiting Otome Sushi.
Blackthroat Seaperch
Source:Source:Tabelog
Blackthroat Seaperch is a luxury fish caught in the Sea of Japan, and because it's a white fish with rich fat, it's also called "white fish comparable to toro."
The season is from autumn to winter, especially from November to February when the fat content is at its peak and the umami is most concentrated.
When you put it in your mouth, the sweetness of the fat gently spreads, the flesh is soft enough to melt, and the umami can be felt gradually afterward.
With an elegant yet satisfying taste, it's an indispensable presence when discussing Kanazawa sushi.
Tuna
Source:Source:Tabelog
Tuna is said to be one of the sushi toppings that reveals a restaurant's true capabilities in Japanese sushi culture. Especially lean tuna directly reflects the quality of ingredients and technique, making it the piece that most shows the craftsman's dedication.
At Otome Sushi, lean tuna is prepared to concentrate the umami, and chutoro (medium-fatty tuna) is finished to bring out the sweetness of the fat.
When I ate the chutoro, I was surprised at how the fat slowly melted on my tongue, unified with the seasoned sushi rice, and disappeared in an instant.
Please experience that surprise for yourself.
Female Snow Crab
Source:Tabelog
Female snow crab is a special winter delicacy in Ishikawa Prefecture. Fishing is permitted only during the brief period from November to December, and because the season is so short, it's also called the "winter jewel."
Since it can only be tasted during a limited period, for me, female snow crab is "a special sushi I can meet only once a year."
The appeal of female snow crab lies in being able to taste the popping texture, rich umami, and sweetness of the flesh all in one bite.
It's no exaggeration to say that female snow crab is "the very reason to visit Kanazawa in winter."
When You Come to Kanazawa, Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine at Restaurants Loved by Locals!
If you want to experience the culinary appeal of Kanazawa, a gourmet tour visiting renowned restaurants loved by local people is recommended.
Katamachi is known as an area where food connoisseurs gather, with historic Japanese restaurants and hard-to-book popular establishments scattered throughout. By walking with a guide, you can encounter hidden gems you wouldn't find on your own.
On the tour, you can taste a variety of local dishes little by little, such as seasonal dishes using Kaga vegetables, Kanazawa-style oden, and sashimi using seafood caught in nearby waters.
Sake pairings are also prepared for each dish.
Since you can learn about the background of the dishes and the appeal of the ingredients, this is recommended for people who want to understand Kanazawa's food culture more deeply.
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Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg.
Tour area: Katamachi area
Start time: 18:00
Otome Sushi Is Difficult to Book, So You Should Make Reservations Early!
Source:Tabelog
Otome Sushi is known as a hard-to-book restaurant. For new customers, reservations are only possible starting two months before the visit date, and the only reservation method is by phone.
Once reservation acceptance begins, spots often fill up immediately, and reservation dates can become fully booked within minutes.
Once your travel dates to Kanazawa are decided, please try to make a reservation on the day reservations open two months in advance.
Three Popular Kanazawa Sushi Restaurants Alongside Otome Sushi
Komatsu Yasuke
Source:Tabelog
Komatsu Yasuke is a renowned sushi restaurant representing Kanazawa, where it's said there's no one in the sushi industry who doesn't know the owner, Komatsu Yasuke.
Because it's referral-only and completely reservation-based, reservations are extremely difficult, but this is also proof of the deep trust earned from regular customers over many years.
The characteristics lie in the warm seasoned sushi rice that's fluffy with air, and the delicate ”Nigiri” that maximally brings out the umami of the sushi toppings.
The seasoned sushi rice, which doesn't overdo the vinegar and makes use of the rice's natural sweetness, doesn't tire you out and can be enjoyed comfortably until the last piece.
Komatsu Yasuke is a one-of-a-kind establishment where you can realize anew the profundity of sushi the moment you eat it.
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Address: Kanazawa Chaya Annex 1F, 2-17-21 Honmachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: Completely reservation-based at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00
Closed: Wednesday and Thursday
Phone number: 076-231-1001
Official website: None
Kourin Sushi
Source:Tabelog
Kourin Sushi is a long-established restaurant founded in 1951 that has been passed down through four generations of family, making it a locally-rooted sushi restaurant.
Using fresh seafood purchased daily from Omicho Market within walking distance, you can enjoy authentic sushi at reasonable prices.
The kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) and assorted nigiri sushi have generous portions and are reputed to provide satisfaction beyond their price.
Beloved not only by tourists but also by local regular customers, you can casually enjoy authentic sushi in a homey atmosphere.
Compared to Otome Sushi and Komatsu Yasuke, reservations are easier to obtain, making this a recommended choice for those who want to casually enjoy authentic sushi.
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Address: 79 Hakuromachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 11:30-13:30 / 17:30-22:00
Closed: Wednesday and Sunday
Phone number: 076-231-5964
Official website: http://www.kourin1.com/
Sushi Kibatani
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Kibatani is a popular sushi restaurant located near Kanazawa's traditional tea house district.
Fish delivered from Toyama Bay and Noto Peninsula undergoes different preparations according to each ingredient—salt curing, kombu curing, and sake aging—to bring out the umami before being formed into nigiri.
The seasoned sushi rice has a unique blend that offers a fluffy texture with deep richness, creating an outstanding unity with the sushi toppings.
Despite its simple appearance, the composition where each piece changes its flavor profile is truly a masterful technique of the craftsman.
This restaurant is recommended for those who want to experience the depth of sushi in Kanazawa.
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Address: 1F, 1-8-26 Hikosanmachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:00-21:00, Reservation required
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 076-256-1218
Official Website: https://kibatani.com/
Three Food-Related Spots to Visit for Foodies Coming to Kanazawa
Omicho Market
Omicho Market is called "the kitchen of Kanazawa" and has supported the city's food culture for over 300 years.
If you visit in the morning, you can see local chefs and sushi masters coming to source ingredients.
From premium fish used by sushi restaurants and traditional Japanese restaurants to seafood gourmet food for eating while walking, this is an essential spot for food enthusiasts.
Inside the market, you'll find Kanazawa's unique flavors such as seared blackthroat seaperch sushi, white shrimp tempura, and luxurious kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) topped generously with sea urchin.
Not only can you buy ingredients, but many shops will cook them for you on the spot, offering a live food experience.
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Address: 50 Kamichikamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Phone: 076-231-1462
Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Katamachi
Katamachi is Kanazawa's premier gourmet town. It's an area with diverse food options including not only sushi but also local cuisine, creative Japanese food, and dishes using local ingredients.
Rather than a tourist destination, it's characterized by the feeling of living in a gastronomic city, and it's one of the areas I always visit when traveling to Kanazawa.
You can enjoy local specialties such as Kaga cuisine, shabu-shabu of blackthroat seaperch, and Kanazawa-style oden.
From long-established traditional restaurants to modern dining bars, it's perfect for those who want to "bar hop multiple places in one night and deeply explore Kanazawa's food culture."
Recommended for those seeking a local nighttime food experience during their trip.
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Address: Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Phone: 076-232-0630
Official Website: https://www.e-katamachi.com/
Kiguremachi
Source:Official website
Kiguremachi is an area for gourmets, where high-quality restaurants and hidden traditional Japanese restaurants are scattered along quiet alleys.
Slightly away from the bustle of tourist streets, this location has many small counter-focused establishments and renowned reservation-only restaurants using local seasonal ingredients, perfect for adult travelers who want to quietly savor delicious food.
Whether sushi, tempura, or local sake bars, every shop is particular about the quality of ingredients and the chef's techniques, allowing you to enjoy your meal leisurely.
Especially with many establishments offering sake pairings, they'll suggest the perfect drink to match the day's ingredients, allowing you to experience the depth of Kanazawa's food culture.
This is a gourmet spot for food connoisseurs, with a different taste from tourist areas.
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Address: Kiguramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Phone: None
Official Website: https://kiguramachi.com/
If You Come to Kanazawa, a City Where Japanese Tradition and History Live On, Enjoy Walking Around the City Too
This walking tour efficiently covers Kanazawa's representative spots such as Omicho Market, Kenrokuen Garden, and Higashi Chaya District.
It's characterized by allowing you to enjoy food, nature, and traditional architecture all at once, with a local guide explaining the historical background and highlights.
Because Kanazawa escaped war damage, the castle town landscape remains beautifully preserved, and just by walking, you can feel the atmosphere of 1603-1868 in this special city.
The aesthetic sense of samurai and tea masters from that era still lives on today, and everywhere you look—traditional architecture, Japanese gardens, back alley townhouses—offers picture-perfect scenery.
By not just "seeing" but "walking with understanding," the true charm of Kanazawa as a city will surely remain in your heart.
For those who want to deeply savor sightseeing, this tour is a must.
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Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour Area: Omicho Market, Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District
Start Time: 10:00
