With its picturesque streets and atmosphere of bygone times, the peaceful city of Kanazawa has rightfully earned the moniker “Little Kyoto.” Kanazawa has convenient access to bountiful catches from the Sea of Japan, fertile lands for growing some of the country’s best produce and rice, and fresh spring water sourced from nearby mountains.


As the capital of Ishikawa prefecture located on the west coast of Japan’s Honshu island, the seaside city has evolved into a popular destination for domestic and international gourmands, boasting many restaurants that focus on promoting the areas natural assets. We hope you will make a point to visit Kanazawa while in Japan; and to help you with your journey, we’ve put together this list of 11 Kanazawa restaurants that fully capture the high-culture cuisine the city has become famous for.

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Skewered foods, known  as kushiyaki, feature delectable bites of meat and vegetables that go perfectly with beer or sake. “Kushi” refers to the bamboo skewers used to spear the ingredients, while “yaki” means grilled or fried.


Eating grilled meat on sticks is a Japanese tradition that dates back to at least the 17th century. Although for some time eating meat was forbidden in Japan due to Buddhist conventions, during the Meiji period of modernization people began to eat meat again and shops specializing in grilled meat on skewers took off. In the period between WWI and WWII, the battered and deep-fried skewers known as kushiage or kushikatsu also became popular. Today, both grilled and fried kushiyaki can be savored with all kinds of meat and vegetables.

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Yokohama is a vibrant port city located directly to the south of Tokyo. It’s considered part of the Greater Tokyo Area, a metropolis that encompasses Tokyo, Yokohama, and Saitama, but has its own unique character that sets it apart from its neighbors. As one of the first port cities to open to foreign trade in Japan, Yokohama has cultivated an international vibe that is clearly reflected in the massive variety of dining options found within its city limits. Check out these 12 select Yokohama restaurants that span the breadth of local and international cuisine.

Continue reading Yokohama Restaurants: The Global Cuisine of Japan's Vibrant Port