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 history. By learning about the history of Omicho Market, you may be able to see the scenery of the market with even more depth.
The Omicho Market has undergone many changes before becoming what it is today. The history of the market in Kanazawa dates back to the Genroku period (1688-1704) in the early Edo period. Kanazawa had two major rivers, the Saigawa and the Asanogawa, and markets were established near the entrance to each. These markets were called Uoyamachi Market (Saigawa-guchi) and Fukuromachi Market (Asanogawa-guchi), each of which was responsible for supplying foodstuffs to Kanazawa.
However, in 1690 (Genroku 3), a huge fire hit Kanazawa and both of these markets were destroyed by fire. The fire was a catalyst for a major change in the shape of Kanazawa’s markets. The market was set up again, but instead of being in Fukuromachi Market, it was moved slightly and opened in a new location, Omicho. This was the beginning of today’s Omicho Market.
| Theory | Reason |
|---|---|
| Heki Ken’s Theory | Fukuromachi was too small, so the market was moved to a larger area. |
| Morita Shien’s Theory | Omicho had an existing “Yuki-ana (ice house)” that was suitable for fish preservation. |
| Hatta Kenichi’s Theory | Fukuromachi was along the Hokuriku Kaido, a major road, and it interfered with traffic, so the market was moved. |
There are various theories as to why the market was moved to Omicho instead of Fukuromachi. One theory is that the market had to be moved to the larger Omicho because Fukuromachi was too small. Another theory is that this location was suitable for storing fish because Omicho had a ‘Yuki-ana (ice house)’, a facility where snow stored during the winter was used as a summer refrigerator.
It is also said that Fukuromachi was relocated to Omicho, where traffic was more convenient, because it was located along the Hokuriku Kaido, a major road, which would have interfered with traffic. Thus, it can be seen that many factors were intertwined in the background to the formation of the Omicho Market.
The year often cited as the establishment of Omicho Market is 1722 (Kyōhō 6). During this year, records related to the market were noted in the Kanazawa Town Office’s Dodo Record, leading many to consider this as the year of Omicho Market’s official founding. However, it is possible that the market gradually took shape after the Great Fire of 1690 (Genroku 3), with its existence merely being documented in 1722.
Later, in 1778 (An’ei 7), the former Uoyamachi Market was revived, strengthening Kanazawa’s market functions. Omicho Market continued to develop as a key market in Kanazawa and remains cherished today as “Kanazawa’s kitchen.”
| Period/Year | Event/Description |
|---|---|
| Genroku Period (1688–1704) | There were two fish markets in Kanazawa during this period. 2 Markets located in Kanazawa: Uoyamachi Market: Located at the entrance of the Saigawa River, near present-day Tatemachi. Fukuromachi Market: Located at the entrance of the Asanogawa River, in the area now known as Fukuromachi. |
| Genroku 3 (1690) | A great fire in Genroku 3 destroyed both Uoyamachi and Fukuromachi markets. This event led to the reorganization of the markets. |
| Post-Fire Market Reorganization | Instead of being rebuilt in Fukuromachi, the market was relocated and established in Omicho. |
| Kyōhō 6 (1722) | The year often cited as the establishment of Omicho Market. Records from this year document the market’s existence, though it may have gradually formed after the Great Fire of Genroku 3. |
| An’ei 7 (1778) | Uoyamachi Market was reestablished, enhancing Kanazawa’s market functions. |
How was that? The history of Omicho Market is not as ancient as one might think but has been shaped over the past 300 to 400 years. Imagining the scenes of the market during the Edo period while strolling through the bustling modern market might offer you a new perspective.
When you visit Kanazawa, make sure to explore the historical Omicho Market. Beyond enjoying the fresh produce and delicious seafood bowls, understanding the history behind the market will allow you to fully appreciate its charm.
Address: 50 Kami Oumicho Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan 920-0905
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