Omicho Market (Photo courtesy of Omicho Market Promotion Association)

Operating since the feudal days of Kanazawa, Omicho Market has been serving the city continuously for over 300 years. The market rose from the ashes of a number of city fires that destroyed smaller local markets in the 17th century and brought the local stall-holders together to form a central city market. It was officially recognized in 1904 and visitors today can still see the stamp of government approval carved into the signpost at the Musashi entrance. The covered stalls have grown into an impressive wholesale market, and today, shoppers and foodies alike flock to stalls for the freshest produce and the tastiest snacks. Along with fresh fish, there are flowers, souvenirs and local products to snap up as you stroll between the 170-plus storefronts.

One of the signature items of the market is the Kaga vegetables: a set of 15 traditional varieties that have been grown in the city since the feudal period. Including bamboo shoots, lotus root, daikon radish and chestnut pumpkins, there’s a vegetable for every season. The most popular fresh seafood is crab, with female snow crab season starting in early November and lasting only until the end of the year. Other seafood delicacies include rock oysters, deep water shrimp and yellowtail, while sea cucumbers are a distinctive treat enjoyed at the end of the year. The seafood is delivered daily from the Sea of Japan ensuring the freshest selections are always available.

Kaisendon rice bowl showcasing Kanazawa’s finest seafood

While the building was refurbished in 2007, it retains a lot of its street-market charm, with stalls sporting wooden signs, carefully stacked crates and the iconic colored lamps that light up the impressive displays. Depending on where you’re staying, it might not be possible to take home fresh ingredients, however there are still some great opportunities to try the local flavors. Omicho Market is home to kaisendon restaurants which specialize in rice bowls topped with seasonal fish. Nearby, sushi restaurants suiting every budget are available, with some delicacies such as nodoguro, a rosy yellowtail being high on most visitors’ must-try lists.

Omicho may be a big draw for the foodies visiting Kanazawa, but there’s more to the city than its market. Overflowing with history, the city has teahouse districts, an ancient castle and a samurai district to explore, as well as an impressive collection of museums.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Only a short walk away from Omicho is the famous Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful examples of landscape design in the country. Winter’s snow-hanging ,yukitsuri are a sight to behold, while spring blossoms and autumn leaves add their own seasonal beauty to the already spectacular 11-hectare garden. Visitors can explore nearby Kanazawa Castle and venture into the local teahouse districts to try some gold-topped ice cream—a nod to the city’s rich history of gold leaf production. The unusual displays of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa are only one element of the city’s museum landscape, with the Kaga-Honda Museum sampling samurai life while the D.T. Suzuki Museum is a modern escape into tranquility.

Gold-topped ice cream reflects Kanazawa’s rich history

To make the most of the city, there is a popular museum pass and bike rental services that make exploring the city easy as pie, especially when you’re fueled by delicious finds from Omicho Market.

For more details, contact DMC Japan to discuss ideas, locations and rates.
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