Omicho Market

The best season to visit Omicho Market is in November when the market is bustling with fresh crab, yellowtail, and shrimp from the Sea of Japan. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with both locals and tourists enjoying the seasonal seafood delicacies. The market is vibrant year-round, but autumn offers the richest seafood variety and a festive mood.

Must-see attractions at Omicho Market include the fresh seafood stalls, especially those selling crab and yellowtail, the second-floor restaurants serving seafood bowls, and the refurbished Omicho Ichibakan building featuring popular eateries and shops. Nearby, Kanazawa Castle and Kozen-ji Temple complement the cultural experience.

Omicho Market is easily accessible from Kanazawa Station, about a 15-20 minute walk or a short bus ride. Most visitors start their journey in Kanazawa city, making it a convenient destination to explore local food culture after arriving by train or bus from major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto.

Omicho Market is unique for its deep historical roots dating back over 300 years to the Edo Period. It was originally established to serve the high-class district near Kanazawa Castle and has evolved into a bustling market known as Kanazawa’s kitchen, offering not only fresh seafood but also local produce, kitchen tools, and traditional snacks.

Visitors can easily combine Omicho Market with trips to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top landscape gardens, and the historic Higashi Chaya District. These attractions offer a rich cultural and historical experience alongside the vibrant food scene at Omicho Market.