Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan, and for sushi lovers it is one of the best cities in Japan: nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), sweet shrimp, snow crab in winter, and yellowtail from Himi just along the coast. Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened, it is two and a half hours from Tokyo.
Our database holds 10 sushi restaurants in Ishikawa in the Top 100 Restaurants awards — here they are, ranked by rating.
1. Sushidokoro Mekumi (すし処 めくみ) — 4.46
Nonoichi · ¥40,000–¥49,999 · 8 seats
The highest-rated sushi in Ishikawa is just outside Kanazawa in Nonoichi: an eight-seat counter built around the seafood of the Sea of Japan, and one of the most sought-after reservations in the region. Closed: Monday.
2. Komatsu Yasuke (小松 弥助) — 4.27
Kanazawa (Honmachi) · ¥10,000–¥14,999 · 18 seats
The legendary counter that began in Komatsu and now sits a few minutes from Kanazawa Station. A much-loved institution — and remarkable value at ¥10,000–14,999.
3. Otome Zushi (乙女寿司) — 4.09
Kanazawa (Kiguramachi) · 17 seats
A long-established counter in central Kanazawa, near Katamachi and the Omicho market. Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, holidays.
4. Sushi Kibatani (鮨 木場谷) — 3.97
Kanazawa (Hikosomachi) · ¥30,000–¥39,999 · 8 seats
An eight-seat counter near Kenroku-en and the Higashi Chaya district side of the city. Closed: Sunday.
5. Tobi (飛) — 3.91
Kanazawa (Oyamamachi)
A small counter in the Oyamamachi area. Closed: Wednesday, Thursday.
6. Kou Zushi Honten (幸寿し 本店) — 3.86
Nanao · ¥5,000–¥5,999 · 45 seats
A big 45-seat restaurant in Nanao on the Noto Peninsula — the bargain of the list at ¥5,000–5,999. Closed: Monday.
7. Sushi-ya Kozakura (すし屋 小桜) — 3.81
Kanazawa Station · ¥20,000–¥29,999 · 8 seats
Eight seats five minutes from Kanazawa Station — convenient if you arrive by Shinkansen. Closed: Wednesday.
8. Sushi Ikuta (鮨 いくた) — 3.79
Kanazawa (Katamachi) · ¥20,000–¥29,999 · 8 seats
An eight-seat counter in Katamachi, Kanazawa’s nightlife district.
9. Sushi Shinosuke (鮨 志の助) — 3.78
Kanazawa (Irie) · 10 seats
A ten-seat neighbourhood counter in the south of the city. Closed: Sunday, holidays.
10. Tachigui Sushi Jinjin (人人 金沢) — 3.58
Kanazawa (Katamachi) · Dinner: ¥15,000–¥19,999 / Lunch: ¥10,000–¥14,999 · 15 seats
A standing sushi counter that has moved from Toyama to Katamachi. Closed: Monday.
At a glance
| # | Restaurant | Area | Rating | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sushidokoro Mekumi | Nonoichi | 4.46 | ¥40,000–¥49,999 |
| 2 | Komatsu Yasuke | Kanazawa (Honmachi) | 4.27 | ¥10,000–¥14,999 |
| 3 | Otome Zushi | Kanazawa (Kiguramachi) | 4.09 | — |
| 4 | Sushi Kibatani | Kanazawa (Hikosomachi) | 3.97 | ¥30,000–¥39,999 |
| 5 | Tobi | Kanazawa (Oyamamachi) | 3.91 | — |
| 6 | Kou Zushi Honten | Nanao | 3.86 | ¥5,000–¥5,999 |
| 7 | Sushi-ya Kozakura | Kanazawa Station | 3.81 | ¥20,000–¥29,999 |
| 8 | Sushi Ikuta | Kanazawa (Katamachi) | 3.79 | ¥20,000–¥29,999 |
| 9 | Sushi Shinosuke | Kanazawa (Irie) | 3.78 | — |
| 10 | Tachigui Sushi Jinjin | Kanazawa (Katamachi) | 3.58 | Dinner: ¥15,000–¥19,999 / Lunch: ¥10,000–¥14,999 |
Tips for sushi in Kanazawa
- Winter is crab season (November to March): kobako (female snow crab) is a local favourite.
- Omicho market is the place for a casual sushi or seafood-bowl lunch.
- Book ahead for Mekumi and Komatsu Yasuke — both are in very high demand.
More: Japan’s Best Restaurant Isn’t in Tokyo — It’s in Kanazawa · Kanazawa map · Best Sushi Places in Tokyo