Omicho Market has a history that dates back to the Edo Period. This open space market sells excellent fresh fish that is a must visit for anyone who is traveling to Kanazawa.
Kanazawa is well-known throughout Japan for its traditional cooking, which is called Kaga Cuisine. The seafood is a specialty, the jumbo shrimp in particular. Sushi and sashimi are also excellent. The Japanese sake produced in this region is of high quality, smooth and sweet. The quality of the local sake derives from the excellence of the rice grown in Ishikawa Prefecture as well as the considerable precipitation of the Hokuriku region, allowing for an ample supply of clean, fresh water. This is why in Omicho, most of the shops there sell seafood. The market is a favorite place to purchase the best that Kanazawa has to offer.
Seisonkaku Villa is one of the very few remaining samurai villas in Japan. It’s beautiful architecture and rich history marks this place as a touristic spot for all. The villa was built by a Maeda lord out of filial piety for his mother.
The villa stands right next to Kenrokuen but a different admissions fee apply.
Kanazawa (金沢市; -shi) is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan. Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Japan Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park. The city sits between the Sai and Asano rivers.
The name “Kanazawa” (金沢), which literally means “marsh of gold”, is said to derive from the legend of the peasant Imohori Togoro (lit. “Togoro Potato-digger”), who was digging for potatoes when flakes of gold washed up. The well in the grounds of Kenrokuen known as ‘Kinjo Reitaku’ （金城麗澤）was recreated by the Maeda lords to acknowledge these roots.
Kanazawa’s importance grew in the 15th century when the powerful and militant Ikko sect established its new headquarters there after being chased out of Kyoto by the monks of Mt.Hiei.
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa was the seat of the Maeda clan, the second most powerful clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).
Today Kanazawa is one of Japan’s lesser known cities although it is one of the most beautiful. The attractions you can expect from Kanazawa ranges from it’s famous Kenroken garden to ancient samurai historical sites as well as geisha districts.
How to get to Kanazawa?
There are many ways to get to Kanazawa, just click here.
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