One of the best things to do in Kanazawa, Japan, is visit an izakaya restaurant or bar. Not only will you get to try a few delicious drinks at an izakaya venue, but you can also explore some of the most delicious Kanazawa food options in a relaxed environment.

What is an izakaya restaurant? What sort of bars are there in Kanazawa city? And which are the best places to go when you visit Kanazawa, Japan? 

We’ll be introducing you to local favorite izakaya restaurants and bars to stop by to enjoy the night life in Kanazawa city!

The Katamachi-Korinbo area is the heart of Kanazawa’s bustling, modern shopping and nightlife. In fact, it’s the greatest shopping quarter in the Hokuriku district (made up of Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Fuku Prefecture, and Niigata Prefecture). 

The area is historically fascinating too. For example, Katamachi is Japan’s oldest shopping street, dating as far back as 1603 – 1868 (according to All About Japan). It’s also known for the first storekeeper union organization, which saw local businesses work together to give customers a truly distinctive shopping experience. 

You’ll find plenty of shopping centers, department stores, restaurants, and izakaya in this vibrant area. And izakaya are ideal if you’re looking for a way to enjoy a low-key, authentically Japanese evening in this spectacular area. 

An izakaya is a restaurant or bar with a casual, informal, and ultimately laid-back feel. They’re popular for post-work drinks, meals, and snacks, ideal for relaxing alone or with friends.

Tourists visiting Japan from the UK, Europe, or the US may find izakaya venues similar to pubs, tapas bars, or saloons.

So which should you pick when looking for someplace to enjoy a drink and a few bites to eat while in Kanazawa city, Japan? An izakaya restaurant or a bar?

Ajidokoro Takasaki is an izakaya restaurant that has been operating for more than 50 years. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike in Kanazawa, Japan. 

Ajidokoro Takasaki offers a variety of Japanese cuisine, but it specializes in “kappo cuisine” (which means food is prepared in full view of diners after being ordered). The owners are dedicated to using seasonal ingredients and serving fresh Kanazawa seafood (including Kano crab between November and March).

Our local experts recommend the nodoguro, a particularly fatty and sweet deep-sea fish that is famous in Kanazawa city. If you’re in the Katamachi area and want to try Ajidokoro Takasaki, this izakaya restaurant is handily located a few minutes walk from the Korinbo bus stop. 

Hirosaka Highball is a popular bar that oozes charm and charisma. It’s a simple, relaxed venue on the outskirts of downtown Kanazawa, with a great range of drinks to choose from. 

Hirosaka Highball offers cocktails, real single malt whiskey, and snacks. And, of course, you can get a highball here — its namesake and specialty. 

One of the most impressive things about Hirosaka Highball is its age: it has been in business since 1989, when it was opened by seasoned bartender Genki Miyagawa. Its longevity is a sign of its success with locals, who visit for its laid-back atmosphere, high-quality drinks, and parfait (a delicious sweet treat made with seasonal fruits and ice cream).

Soryu is one of the most stylish bars in the Katamachi area, with a distinctly adult decor and feel. It’s best-known for its variety of cocktails, which uses lots of seasonal fruits, and the master is usually happy to tailor drinks to suit different tastes. Non-alcoholic cocktails are available too!

If you’re not so much into cocktails but have a penchant for whisky, there’s great news: Soryu has more than 40 types of whiskey sourced from across the globe. On top of that, there are four varieties of snacks prepared to complement the alcohol. The snacks change daily. 

BAR Amaneko is a sophisticated bar with a calming atmosphere, perfect for sipping a drink and nibbling on a snack while you enjoy relaxed conversation. BAR Amaneko was formerly a traditional machiya house and is spread across two floors, both offering a slightly different type of atmosphere. 

The first floor features a long bar with seats, where you can sit and choose from a range of drinks: whiskey, wine, beer, sake, shochu, and even soft drinks if you want to avoid alcohol. But the second floor is home to comfortable sofa seats, recommended for dates or groups. This overlooks a small tsuboniwa courtyard, which makes for a pleasant view while you unwind. 

As well as drinks, BAR Amaneko provides a range of small sake appetizers designed to match different types of alcohol.