There are several reasons to visit Kanazawa: to experience the atmosphere of an ancient city with 500 years of history, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and, above all, to indulge in the culinary delights that Kanazawa has to offer. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Kanazawa can now be reached in just two and a half hours from Tokyo, making it possible to enjoy Kanazawa’s gastronomy even on a trip after work. One of the first izakayas to visit in Kanazawa is Itaru Honten.
Since its establishment in 1988, Itaru Honten has built a reputation as a place to enjoy fresh fish and local sake. The restaurant is particularly attractive for its fresh seafood, which is shipped directly from Kanazawa’s fishing port every day. The dishes that showcase this freshness are a must-try for any palate.
The restaurant has both counter and table seating, with the counter seats in particular offering the opportunity to enjoy the chef’s handiwork right in front of you. In the busy restaurant, the distance between neighboring seats is close, so even if you visit alone, you can naturally feel at ease with the customers around you. This is one of the main attractions of Itaru Honten.
Itaru Honten offers both course and à la carte meals, with budgets ranging from JPY 4,000 to JPY 6,000. Particularly popular is the Sea of Japan Sashimi Oke. The contents of this Oke dish change depending on the catch of the day, so you can enjoy different fresh seafood every time you visit. If you are lucky, you may also find nodoguro, a renowned high-end fish, on the menu.
Reservations are essential when visiting Itaru Honten. It is recommended to call at least a month in advance to make a reservation, as bookings are often difficult, especially at the last minute. The author also reserved a table at the counter and was able to enjoy the skills of the chef right in front of their eyes. The waiting time can also be considered part of the excitement of a moment at Kanazawa’s famous izakaya.
The first thing you should order at this restaurant is the Sea of Japan Sashimi Oke. This assortment has a special name, Oke, which sets it apart from the usual sashimi platter; for two people, it is recommended to order a small oke. The platter is served on ice and features large cuts of kampachi, raw octopus, amaebi, swordfish, and seared sea bream, all of which are gorgeous to look at. In addition, a “sushi ball” of rice is served on the side of the oke, allowing you to enjoy the sashimi as if it were sushi.
When the author visited, they ordered the small oke. All the sashimi was fresh and tasty, from the sweetness of the kampachi, the chunky elasticity of the raw octopus, to the savoriness of the seared sea bream, and the sushi with sea bream was particularly superb. The sake we ordered, Kagatobi, was also very satisfying and easy to drink, with a refreshing flavor that paired perfectly with the sashimi.
The menu at Itaru Honten includes not only sashimi but also a wide range of other dishes. For example, the vinegared dish using kinjiso, one of Kaga’s vegetables, has a unique crunchy texture and just the right amount of acidity. It is garnished with grated ginger, which matches the vinegared dish perfectly and adds a nice accent.
Also recommended is the specialty Ichiban Dashimaki Tamago (rolled egg omelette). This dashimaki tamago is large, and the softly rolled egg melts in your mouth. The restaurant’s logo is branded on it, giving the dish a particular look and feel. Drizzle a little soy sauce and eat it with grated daikon radish, and the sweetness of the broth will be enhanced, spreading an indescribable taste.
For shime, you should definitely try the Nyanko-meshi. It is rice covered with dashi broth with special ingredients, and it is truly delicious. Pickles are also included, making it a simple but highly satisfying dish. As the last dish at an izakaya, the Nyanko-meshi warms both body and soul, and it is one of the author’s favorite dishes to end the meal.
The experience at Itaru Honten is not only about the delicious food; the cozy atmosphere is also a major attraction. The liveliness of the restaurant and the personable staff will make your night in Kanazawa even more special. Itaru Honten, where you can enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and local sake to your heart’s content, is a must-visit place when you are in Kanazawa. However, due to its popularity, it is often crowded, so it is advisable to remember to make a reservation.
Why not make your trip to Kanazawa a memorable one by adding a visit to Itaru Honten, where you can enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality? The quality of the food is always consistent, making this the definitive Kanazawa gourmet experience. We hope that your experience at Izakaya Itaru Honten will be the highlight of your trip.
Kanazawa is known as a culinary capital, with an abundance of fresh seafood from the bounty of the Sea of Japan and agricultural produce from the city’s rich natural environment. Kanazawa’s sushi is so highly regarded that people from the Kanto and Kansai regions travel all the way to Ka…
Kanazawa is dotted with tourist attractions that offer a rich history and culture, many of which are concentrated in areas easily accessible by bicycle. For this reason, the ‘Machi-nori’ bicycle rental service is an ideal means of enjoying sightseeing. In this article, we will introduce the structur…
When considering accommodation in Kanazawa, you may be wondering which area to book. Even if you search on Booking.com or Airbnb, it is often difficult to understand the characteristics of each area and you may be wondering which is best suited to your travel style. Overview: Kanazawa’s Main A…
Those travelling from Kyoto or Osaka to Kanazawa used to be able to reach Kanazawa simply by taking the Thunderbird limited express train, which offered a direct connection. However, from March 2024, this route will be changed, requiring passengers to transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tsuruga S…
For those planning to visit Kanazawa, expectations are high for engaging in a special activity. One of the most recommended activities is the Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience. This experience offers a chance to relax and enjoy a moment of tranquility through the traditional Japanese culture of the …
For visitors to Kanazawa, knowing in advance about the various events taking place can greatly enhance your experience of the city. The Hyakumangoku Festival procession in June and the Hyakumangoku Odori Nagashi are particularly noteworthy, offering valuable opportunities to immerse yourself in Kana…
Kanazawa is a fascinating tourist destination where beautiful nature and historical streets are in harmony. The traditional Japanese performing art of Noh(能) is deeply rooted here. If you visit Kanazawa as a tourist, why not try watching a Noh performance? Noh is one of Japan’s classical theat…
There are several reasons to visit Kanazawa: to experience the atmosphere of an ancient city with 500 years of history, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and, above all, to indulge in the culinary delights that Kanazawa has to offer. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Kanazawa can now be reac…
When you visit Kanazawa, you should definitely enjoy the local sake of Ishikawa Prefecture along with the delicious food. However, there are so many different types of sake that it can be difficult to know which to choose. That’s why we asked Osawa Sake Shop, a long-established sake shop in Ka…
Unravelling the History of Omicho Market Omicho Market is one of the essential spots for visitors to Kanazawa. The market is widely known as ‘Kanazawa’s kitchen’, where locals and tourists gather to buy fresh seafood and other ingredients. Surprisingly, however, not much is known about its his…
