Local Guide
A summary of delicious souvenirs from Kanazawa. From famous sweets to traditional foods

Kanazawa, where the tea ceremony culture is deeply rooted, is also known for its many Japanese confectionery shops, which are essential to tea ceremonies. We will introduce delicious souvenirs unique to Kanazawa, from Japanese confectionery made using traditional methods, to sweets and pickles made with Kaga vegetables, and fermented foods that the Hokuriku region is proud of.

Modern sweet azuki beans, popular in Nishi Chaya District

There are about 15 varieties of "Amanatto" such as white beans and black soybeans, and 2 to 4 varieties of "Tokan" such as "Iyokan" depending on the season.
There are about 15 varieties of "Amanatto" such as white beans and black soybeans, and 2 to 4 varieties of "Tokan" such as "Iyokan" depending on the season.

This sweet amanatto shop opened in 2001 in Nishi Chaya District, where many quaint townhouses remain. It became a hot topic when geisha gave them to regular customers as a "gift from the Chaya District," and now offers around 15 different kinds of sweet amanatto. The ingredients are carefully selected delicious beans from all over the country, such as black soybeans from Noto, Ishikawa, and white kidney beans from Hokkaido. Each bean is cooked in a large pot in a workshop on the premises, using a different method for each type. The plump, fragrant sweet amanatto has a gentle sweetness and a natural flavor.
"Tou-katsu," made with the peels of Iyokan and blood oranges, is refreshingly delicious whether eaten as is or with yogurt, tea, or ice cream.

Amanatto Shirahana Bijin 80g, Ohama Black Beans 80g, Iyokan Candied Fruit 30g, 303 yen each
Expiration date: Approximately 21 days from the date of manufacture if unopened, the next day after opening

Amanatto Kawamura
  • URLhttps://mame-kawamura.com/
  • address石川県金沢市野町2-24-7 MAP
  • DirectionJR金沢駅から車で約11分
  • Bus DirectionTake the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Hirokoji" and walk for 2 minutes
  • Opening times9:30-18:00, Sundays and holidays -17:00
  • Closed DayFirst Tuesday of every month, December 31st to January 3rd
    *Open on the first Tuesday of each month in January, May, and December
  • TEL076-282-7000
  • Parkingto exist

Walnut sweets made by Kanazawa's leading Japanese sweets shop

"Kurumi mochi" is sometimes used at tea ceremonies, and "tokotoko" is made by coating walnuts with brown sugar and sprinkling them with matcha.
"Kurumi mochi" is sometimes used at tea ceremonies, and "tokotoko" is made by coating walnuts with brown sugar and sprinkling them with matcha.

Located in a residential area near Higashi Chaya District, this famous shop is highly regarded for its sweets for tea ceremonies in Kanazawa. As the main products are high-grade fresh sweets served at tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese restaurants, they only produce to order. In response to requests from customers who wanted to try the Japanese sweets of Yoshihashi Confectionery, the third generation brothers launched the brand Mamehan. They offer about five types of Japanese sweets that last for a long time and do not require reservations, such as dorayaki and easy-to-eat yokan.
Among them, the "Kurumi Mochi" is a dish that spreads the simple flavor of the chewy texture and chunky walnuts. "Tokotokoto," named after its rugged appearance and texture, is a fragrant sweet made by coating roasted walnuts with brown sugar from Amami Oshima and sprinkling them with matcha, soybean flour, and cocoa.

7 pieces of walnut mochi: 1,010 yen, 702 yen
Best before date: Walnut mochi: 10 days from date of manufacture, Tokotoko: 25 days from date of manufacture

Yoshihashi Confectionery Mamehan
  • address石川県金沢市東山2-2-2 MAP
  • Bus DirectionFrom the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus Castle Town Kanazawa Tour Bus "Clockwise Route" for about 10 minutes, get off at "Hashibacho (Higashi-Kazukemachi Chaya District)" and walk for about 5 minutes
  • Opening times9:30～17:30
  • Closed DayIrregular holidays
  • TEL076-252-2634
  • Parking無料（2台）

A cute salted caramel flavored Baumkuchen with a cat-shaped shaped cookie

When you cut out a square Baumkuchen shape, a cat called "Tiger" appears.
When you cut out a square Baumkuchen shape, a cat called "Tiger" appears.

Since its release on Cat Day (February 22nd) in 2018, this candy has become popular for its adorable cat silhouette. There is a story behind this candy; the cat is named "Tora" and was born in Noto and raised in Kanazawa. He is 9 years old. In honor of his age, nine soft, flat pieces of Baumkuchen dough are layered on top of each other. The fun and playful element is that the shape of a "tiger" appears when the square Baumkuchen is slowly cut into a shape. The bittersweet salted caramel flavor is exquisite, using Wajima Sea Salt, a salt from Noto with a rich flavor.
Another popular product is the "Kat-Kitty Sable in Kanazawa," a tiger-shaped sable. Both can be purchased at Kanazawa Hyakubangai in Kanazawa Station.

Kitty Baumkuchen in Kanazawa 486 yen each
Expiration date: 63 days from date of manufacture

Western-style confectionery workshop Budo no Ki main store

Colorful dried sweets depicting the four seasons of Kanazawa

"Kanazawa Meguri" is an assortment of fan rice crackers, Kagashi Kishi, sweet potato candy in the shape of a sea bream, and agar sweets in the shape of a goldfish bowl.
"Kanazawa Meguri" is an assortment of fan rice crackers, Kagashi Kishi, sweet potato candy in the shape of a sea bream, and agar sweets in the shape of a goldfish bowl.

A round, dried confectionery called "Kotobuki Senbei" is an essential sweet for celebrations in Kaga. "Uchiwa Senbei" is an adaptation of Kotobuki Senbei in the shape of a fan. Freshly pounded mochi is rolled out thinly, placed in a mold and baked, then coated with white syrup. A floating layer of whipped egg white and sugar depicts the scenery of Kanazawa throughout the seasons. It has a crispy texture like the skin of a monaka wafer and melts in your mouth in an instant. You can savor the lingering taste of its refined sweetness.
Similarly, the square "Kagashi Kishi" decorated with designs of flowers, birds, wind and moon is another popular product. The name, a play on the words "four seasons" and "shikishi" (colored paper), is also lovely. Each delicate painting representing the season is hand-painted. In addition to the main store, it is also sold at "Kanazawa Hyakubangai" in Kanazawa Station.

Tour of Kanazawa 972 yen
Expiration date: 50 days from date of manufacture

Kato Koyo-do
  • URLhttps://katokoyodo.com/shop/
  • address2-94-1 Futakuchicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionJR金沢駅から徒歩約17分
  • Opening times8:30～17:00
  • Closed DayOpen daily
  • TEL076-231-3053
  • Parking無料（3台）

The elegantly designed bean box is also appealing. Light and light rice crackers soaked in chocolate.

A Japanese-Western fusion dish that harmonizes black bean rice crackers and chocolate.
A Japanese-Western fusion dish that harmonizes black bean rice crackers and chocolate.

They make bean snacks made from organic soybeans and black beans from Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as lustrous sweets using gold leaf. A recommended souvenir is their new take on "Shimimi," bite-sized rice crackers filled with black beans and soaked in chocolate. They have a light, crispy texture, accented with a refined sweetness and the flavor of black beans. They offer two flavors: fragrant "kinako" and "hojicha."
The cute bean-shaped paper boxes are also noteworthy. The designs, such as "Kaga Hachiman Okiagari Ningyo," "Kenrokuen," rabbits, and dogs, are hand-drawn by Kutani ware artisans. You can choose your favorite bean box at the main store, Korinbo Yamato store, and Meitetsu Mza store. They can also be purchased at Kanazawa Hyakubangai in Kanazawa Station.

Shimimi 10 Kinako Chocolates, 10 Houjicha Chocolates, from 864 yen each (varies depending on the design of the bean box)
Expiration date: Approximately 30 days from date of manufacture

Mameya Kanazawa Bankyu Main Store
  • URLhttps://www.mameya-bankyu.com/
  • address50-1 Iwadecho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 15 minutes walk from Morimoto Station on the IR Ishikawa Railway
  • Opening times9:30～19:00
  • Closed DayOpen daily
  • TEL076-258-3366
  • Parkingfree

A traditional Kanazawa fermented food full of flavor

"Kinjo Turnip Sushi" is made by placing aged yellowtail between turnips and marinating it in koji.
"Kinjo Turnip Sushi" is made by placing aged yellowtail between turnips and marinating it in koji.

Founded in 1875 (Meiji 8), this restaurant is famous for its turnip sushi, a seasonal winter dish in Ishikawa Prefecture. The turnips used are "Hyakumangoku Aokubi Turnips," grown in the outskirts of Kanazawa and in the mountain villages of Noto, and are made especially for turnip sushi. Yellowtail that has been aged for about six months is sandwiched between salted turnips, and then soaked in a traditional special koji for about 10 days to bring out the maximum flavor. Once you've tried it, you'll never forget its rich aroma and full-bodied flavor.
In recent years, as fermentation control has become possible, turnip sushi can now be made in the summer using "Hyakumangoku Aokubi Turnips" harvested from our own farm or contracted farmers from spring to summer. "Kinjo Turnip Sushi Summer Koji," made with aged winter yellowtail and summer koji, has a mellow sweetness and refreshing taste.

Kinjo Kabura Sushi (about 2 pieces, total 250g) in a bag is 1,674 yen. Natsu Koji is 1,728 yen
Expiration date: about 10 days

Shijimayahonpo
  • URLhttps://www.kabura.jp/
  • address1-17-28 Yayoi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus DirectionFrom the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus bound for Hikarigaoka Jutaku via Izumino-san-chome for approx. 15 minutes, get off at "Numata-cho" and walk for approx. 3 minutes
  • Opening times9:00～18:00
  • Closed Day1st Sunday
  • TEL076-241-4173
  • Parkingfree

A wide selection of appealing preserved foods made with local ingredients

No preservatives or additives are used. You can enjoy the taste of the ingredients themselves.
No preservatives or additives are used. You can enjoy the taste of the ingredients themselves.

This is a select shop of preserved foods handmade in the three Hokuriku prefectures, including seasonings, fish products, dried fruits, and Japanese and Western baked goods. The original "Kanazawa Pickles" are made by making effective use of non-standard vegetables that are not distributed. "Even if they are non-standard, the taste and quality are the same. Even if they are a little misshapen or small, it doesn't matter because we cut them by hand," says the owner, who is also a chef, as he carefully makes them by hand every day. There are about 30 types of pickles alone, ranging from those made with Kaga vegetables such as "Noto Musume (red radish)", "Kintoki grass", "Kaga lotus root", and "Hyakumangoku shiitake mushroom", to those that allow you to enjoy the combination of ingredients such as "celery and grapefruit", "onion and balsamic", and "sweet potato and honey lemon". The simple label design is also stylish, making it the perfect souvenir from Kanazawa.

Kanazawa pickles from 648 yen
Expiration date: 6 months from date of manufacture

Preserved food specialty store stoock
  • URLhttp://www.stoock.jp/
  • address2-8-26 Owaricho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus DirectionFrom the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus Castle Town Kanazawa Loop Bus "Counterclockwise Route" for about 5 minutes, then get off at "Musashi-ga-tsuji/Omicho Market" and walk for about 4 minutes
  • Opening times10:00 to 18:00
  • Closed DayIrregular holidays
  • TEL076-255-1283
  • ParkingNone

"Konkazuke" sardines and mackerel, made in the Kanazawa region

Pickled fish in rice bran, marinated in traditional wooden barrels and aged in a storage warehouse
Pickled fish in rice bran, marinated in traditional wooden barrels and aged in a storage warehouse

In Ishikawa Prefecture, "konka-zuke" is a local dish made from pickled fish in rice bran. Abuyo Shoten, a long-established store founded about 300 years ago, started making "konka-zuke" about 150 years ago, and is currently run by the seventh generation owner who continues to preserve the traditional taste.
To make pickled sardines, pickle raw round herrings with their heads removed in salt for about 10 days, then place them in a large wooden tub with bran for the final pickling process. The sardines are left to ferment for 10 months to a year, resulting in an exquisite dish with enhanced flavor and richness. The bran is lightly scraped off without rinsing, and can be thinly sliced raw. Alternatively, lightly grilling the sardines with the bran on adds a fragrant and savory flavor, making them the perfect accompaniment to rice.
Other popular items include mackerel, yellowtail, blackthroat seaperch, and pufferfish meat and ovaries pickled in rice bran or sake lees. Some of these products can also be purchased at the food store "World Food Diamond" in "Omicho Market."​

Two sardines in rice bran for 300 yen, pickled mackerel for 400 yen, pickled pufferfish roe for 800 yen, etc.
Best before date: 90 days

Aburaya Shoten
  • URLhttps://www.aburayo.jp/
  • address2-1-33 Kanaishikita, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionJR金沢駅から車で約15分
  • Opening times9:00～17:00
  • Closed DaySundays and holidays
  • TEL076-267-0031
  • Parking無料（2台）
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.