Ōmichō Market, Kanazawa

I love a good market. It’s a fascinating window into how people like to shop, eat, and carry on their daily lives. Japan is home to lots of wonderful markets, many involving amazing produce that underlies their incredible cuisine.

Omicho Market (近江町市場) is a great example where some exceptional seafood is on show for those passing or living in Kanazawa. Our hotel was just a short stroll away and it’s quite a contrast in pace to the manic intensity of Japan’s most famous markets like Toyosu or Tsukiji. Omicho is a ‘Goldilocks’ of sorts; not too big and overwhelming but also not too small.

Of course Omicho is best visited on an empty stomach. You can hop around different vendors and sample an array of local delicacies like red prawns, crab, giant oysters, and yellowtail. Kinda of like a DIY tasting menu if you like variety (Tip: bring cash). Of course you can always plunge into one of many eateries often serving kaisendon; a deconstructed bowl of sushi rice topped with the daily catch and a staple in these parts. There is no wrong decision.

We managed to visit twice during our short stay in Kanazawa and always left content and with bags of interesting food paraphernalia. One store vendor who had great English sold delicious dried rice toppings called furikake which keep well and make a nice gift to take back home a taste of Omicho.