(近江町市場) has been operating for over 400 years (!) and is proudly known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen.”

The market dates back to the late 17th century, when small markets were established to supply food to the city. Like many places in Japan at the time, a major fire destroyed the area, and the market was relocated to its current site. It was rebuilt and officially opened in 1722, and has since become the beating heart of the local food scene.

Today, the market includes around 180–200 stalls and shops, offering mainly fresh fish and seafood, along with vegetables, fruits, flowers, kitchenware, and clothing.

In the morning, the market fills with locals shopping for fresh ingredients.
By lunchtime, long lines form at popular restaurants serving kaisendon - rice bowls topped with fresh seafood.

Until the 1960s, you could find “snow huts” in the market - simple structures used to store and preserve fish even during the hot summer months. Remnants of this can still be seen today - look for ventilation openings in the ground that were used for cooling.

In 2009, a five-story commercial building called Omicho Ichibakan opened nearby, housing hidden restaurants and curated shops. While not an “organic” part of the market, it’s definitely worth a visit - there are some great culinary finds inside.