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Kanazawa, one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations. While a trip exploring the beautiful streets of Kenrokuen and Higashi Chaya District, and touching the history of Kanazawa Castle is wonderful, in Kanazawa at night, there’s a place where “local vibrancy” breathes, little known to tourists. That’s “Kakinokibatake” (Kakinokibatake), located right next to Kanazawa’s busiest entertainment districts, “Katamachi” and “Korinbo,” and the deep drinking district “Shintenchi” (Shintenchi) that follows from there.
This area, where unique independently-owned izakayas, stylish bistros, and Kanazawa’s famous oden restaurants are densely packed, allows you to experience Kanazawa’s lively “true face,” which is different from its refined “front” façade. In this article, for international visitors, we thoroughly explain the charm of “bar hopping where locals gather” to fully enjoy Kanazawa’s nightlife, and introduce 5 recommended affordable and delicious restaurants. A must-read for anyone who wants to experience Kanazawa’s real night!
Contents
What are Kanazawa’s “Kakinokibatake” & “Shintenchi”? A Deep Night Town Loved by Locals, Known to Those in the Know
Kakinokibatake is a historic area that has supported Kanazawa’s food culture for a long time, located just one backstreet from Katamachi and Korinbo. The narrow alleys, retaining the charm of the Showa era, are filled with a mix of old-fashioned eateries and new concept shops. Especially, the adjacent “Shintenchi” is an alleyway with small shops densely packed in narrow passages, creating a deep atmosphere where locals regularly visit. Since there are fewer tourists, you can truly feel the authentic nightlife of Kanazawa.
Locally Oriented: Fewer tourists, allowing you to experience the daily lives of Kanazawa locals.
Unique Shops: A dense concentration of charming independently-owned izakayas and bars.
Perfect for Bar Hopping: Many small shops, allowing you to visit various genres of establishments in a short time.
Reasonable Prices: Many restaurants offer delicious food and drinks at local prices.
Depth of Kanazawa’s Food Culture: Enjoy a wide range from traditional local dishes to the latest gourmet trends.
Enjoying Kanazawa’s Night: The Appeal and Way to Bar Hop
In Kanazawa’s Kakinokibatake and Shintenchi areas, while you can certainly settle in one place for a long drink, we highly recommend trying “bar hopping.” This style of enjoyment, possible because of the dense concentration of diverse shops in a narrow area, is Kanazawa’s unique nightlife experience loved by local drinkers.
Tips for Enjoying Bar Hopping
Visit in a small group: Many shops are small, so visiting with 2-3 people is recommended. Large groups may not be able to enter.
Keep stays short at each place: Especially at popular standing bars, it’s polite to drink one glass and move on quickly for other customers. Turnover is key.
Follow your intuition for shops: Stepping into a shop that catches your eye without prior research is the true charm of alleyways.
Interact with shop owners and neighbors: If you get the chance, enjoy conversations with friendly locals. You might discover new things or gain information.
Loved by Locals! 5 Affordable & Delicious Restaurants in Kakinokibatake & Shintenchi [Recommended for Bar Hopping]
Kakinokibatake and Shintenchi have countless charming restaurants, but here we carefully select 5 particularly recommended affordable and delicious ones for bar hopping, loved by locals. You’ll be able to fully experience the deep charm unique to Kanazawa.
1. Kanazawa Oden Restaurant “Oden-dokoro Miyuki” – A Long-Established Shop for Kanazawa’s Specialty Oden
When in Kanazawa, you must try “Oden.” Among the Kanazawa Oden shops that can be enjoyed all year round, “Oden-dokoro Miyuki” is a long-established favorite among locals. In its light broth, unique Kanazawa ingredients like kuruma-fu (wheat gluten), bai-gai (whelk), and kanimen (crab face, winter limited) are slowly simmered. It pairs perfectly with sake, offering a heartwarming dish. We recommend starting your bar hopping here by warming your stomach with Kanazawa Oden.
- Genre: Kanazawa Oden, Izakaya
- Price Range: Around ¥1,500 – ¥3,000
- Features: Long-established Kanazawa Oden, local flavor, extensive sake selection
- Official URL: Oden-dokoro Miyuki
2. Dining “Kawasemi” – A Homely Izakaya-Diner Loved by Locals
Tucked away in a corner of Kakinokibatake, close to Katamachi, “Shokudo Kawasemi” is a homely izakaya-diner beloved by the locals of Kanazawa. You can enjoy comforting “homemade flavors” like daily special set meals made with fresh seasonal ingredients, stewed dishes, and grilled fish. Recommended for those who want to enjoy delicious home-style cooking and a drink at reasonable prices. It’s the perfect spot for those who wish to blend into the local daily life.
- Genre: Diner, Izakaya, Home Cooking
- Price Range: Around ¥1,000 – ¥2,500
- Features: Homely taste, reasonable, popular with locals
- Official URL: Shokudo Kawasemi
3. Standing Bar “Sonochan” – A Lively Shop in Shintenchi Where You Can Drop By Casually
“Sonochan” is a standing izakaya located in the alleys of Shintenchi, always bustling with locals. It’s a small shop centered around an L-shaped counter, offering a charming, at-home atmosphere where you can easily get acquainted with the owner. They offer a wide variety of classic izakaya dishes at reasonable prices, including fresh sashimi, grilled items, and fried foods. This is the perfect spot for those who want to experience Kanazawa’s deep “Senbero” culture and enjoy interacting with locals.
- Genre: Standing Izakaya, Public Bar
- Price Range: Around ¥1,000 – ¥2,500
- Features: Reasonable, homely, popular with locals
- Official URL: Sonochan
4. Izakaya “Ajidokoro Takasaki” – Kanazawa’s Hidden Gem Bustling with Locals
Ajidokoro Takasaki is a hidden izakaya tucked away in an alley of Kakinokibatake. From the outside, it might be hard to see in, but once you step inside, a warm space bustling with locals unfolds. They offer a wide selection of homemade dishes using seasonal ingredients and local sake, allowing you to savor Kanazawa’s “mother’s cooking.” Conversations with the owner and regulars are also enjoyable, making it highly recommended for those who want to experience a truly local vibe.
- Genre: Izakaya, Home Cooking
- Price Range: Around ¥6,000 – ¥7,000
- Features: Popular with locals, homemade dishes, extensive local sake selection
- Official URL: Takasaki
5. Ramen “Menya Taiga” – Kanazawa Black Ramen, Perfect for Closing Out a Night of Drinking
this is an imageFor the perfect ramen to cap off a night of bar hopping in Kanazawa, head to “Menya Taiga,” a famous Kanazawa ramen shop. Their specialty is “Kanazawa Black Ramen,” characterized by the savory aroma of burnt soy sauce. It’s rich yet surprisingly light in aftertaste. Its deliciousness soaks into your tired body after drinking. Open until late at night, it’s always bustling with locals. An essential stop if you want to experience Kanazawa’s “shime” (closing meal) culture.
- Genre: Ramen
- Price Range: Around ¥800 – ¥1,500
- Features: Kanazawa Black Ramen, late-night hours, popular with locals
- Official URL: Menya Taiga
Tips and Precautions for Enjoying Bar Hopping in Kakinokibatake & Shintenchi
To fully enjoy the charm of Kakinokibatake and Shintenchi, remember the following tips and precautions:
Visit in a small group: Many shops are small, so visiting with 2-3 people is recommended. Large groups may not be able to enter.
Don’t overstay: Especially at standing bars and popular spots, it’s good manners to drink and move on quickly for other customers. Turnover is key.
Prepare cash: Many independent shops may not accept credit cards. Make sure to have cash ready.
Regarding smoking: Smoking rules vary by establishment. Check in advance or be considerate of others if smoking is permitted.
Be careful not to drink too much: While there are many appealing shops, it’s easy to drink too much. Try to drink in moderation to continue enjoying your bar hopping.
Toilet situation: Toilets in old-fashioned establishments may be small or Japanese-style. It’s a good idea to check beforehand for peace of mind.
Access to Kakinokibatake & Shintenchi (From Major Kanazawa Spots)
Kakinokibatake and Shintenchi are located in the heart of Kanazawa, making them extremely convenient to access from major tourist spots.
- From JR Kanazawa Station:
- Approx. 10-15 minutes by bus (local bus). Get off at “Korinbo” bus stop, then approx. 5 minutes walk.
- Approx. 10 minutes by taxi.
- From Kenrokuen Garden: Approx. 10-15 minutes walk.
- From Higashi Chaya District: Approx. 10 minutes by bus to “Korinbo” bus stop, then approx. 5 minutes walk.
MAP: Kanazawa Kakinokibatake & Shintenchi
*The map indicates the approximate range of Kakinokibatake and Shintenchi. For precise locations and details of each shop, please enjoy exploring on site.
Kanazawa’s Night: Kakinokibatake & Shintenchi is the Place to Be!
Kakinokibatake and Shintenchi offer a deep and human-centered Kanazawa night experience, different from its refined daytime facade. Blending into the daily lives of locals and enjoying delicious food and sake at reasonable prices through “bar hopping” will surely become an unforgettable highlight of your Kanazawa trip.
Come and explore the real local energy of Kanazawa and the labyrinth of unique shops packed together, not found in guidebooks. Be sure to visit!
