A vast covered arcade with almost 200 stores, the Omi-cho Market 近江町市場 in Kanazawa has been providing the town with seafood and produce for over 270 years. The market is bustling throughout the day, but most active in the morning, making it harder to navigate then with a stroller or wheelchair. Visitors familiar with fish markets comment that it is one of the cleanest fish markets in the world.
Omi-cho Market, Kanazawa
Even if you are not interested in shopping, it is fun to look at the wide range of merchandise from fresh fish to clothing to fruits and vegetables to sweets. Because it is covered, you might consider visiting on a rainy afternoon.
Omi-cho amazing fish selection
Crab, shrimp and yellowtail caught in the Sea of Japan are especially prominent in the winter months, and buyers from throughout Japan seek out the high-quality offerings from Kanazawa. Shopkeepers beckoning people to buy keep the place lively and noisy.
Omi-cho Market, Kanazawa
Omi-cho is also quite busy at lunch when locals and tourists come to eat at restaurants inside the market. Many of the restaurants specialize in rice bowls topped with fresh Kanazawa seafood. Look for lines to pick out the popular ones or ask your hotel concierge if you are staying in Kanazawa for their recommendations.
Omicho Market Sushi Restaurant in Kanazawa (photo: tripadvisor.ca)
The Omi-cho Market is a collection of stores, and each has its own hours of operation. However, most are open from 9 am to 5 or 6 pm, and are usually closed on Sundays and national holidays. The market is about a 10 to 15 minute walk down the main street from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station. Most city buses run past it; get off at the Musashigatsuji Stop. The market is closet to Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden as well.
Address is Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0905, Japan.
For more information: http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/guide/guide1_3.php?no=2
Recommended Hotels in Kanazawa City Crowne Plaza Hotel
