Kanazawa – A Castle Town Where You’ll Want to Stroll in Kimono, Surrounded by Kaga Elegance
Kanazawa, a castle town steeped in tradition and beauty. Kimono blends beautifully into the atmospheric streets, such as the Higashi Chaya District and Kenrokuen Garden. As you walk the stone-paved alleys infused with the fragrance of Kaga culture, you’ll find yourself immersed in scenery worthy of a painting at every turn. Dressing in kimono enhances the experience, making your journey even more special.
Enjoy Kanazawa’s Popular Soba in Kimono: Savor Authentic Flavors in Atmospheric Soba Shops
Kanazawa, where the legacy of Kaga Hyakumangoku (the domain of a million koku) lives on, is dotted with charming soba restaurants. Eating soba in kimono feels like traveling back in time. Many places offer dishes that combine soba with Kaga vegetables and local cuisine, allowing you to enjoy the essence of Kanazawa with all your senses.
Bueimon
Access:
Located in a corner of the Higashi Chaya District—ideal for a stop during sightseeing.
Features:
A soba shop with an atmospheric exterior, utilizing a renovated traditional townhouse. The calm interior, where jazz music plays, offers 27 cozy seats. Since its opening in 2012, it has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Menu Highlights:
Kaga Boucha Soba: A fragrant soba kneaded with roasted green tea, a local specialty. The firm, homemade noodles go down smoothly.
Noto Seaweed Soba: Soba enriched with flavorful seaweed from Noto—showcasing dedication to local ingredients.
Kamo Seiro: Duck dipping noodles served with a thick broth inspired by “Jibuni,” a traditional Kaga dish.
Seasonal Tempura: Light and crispy tempura using ingredients of the season.
Ambience:
Open, airy atmosphere thanks to a high atrium ceiling.
Enjoy views of the Higashi Chaya District from the window seats.
A warm, modern Japanese interior with jazz BGM.
A calm setting perfect for savoring soba leisurely.
Usoba
Access:
A 5-minute walk from the Higashi Chaya District, located near the scenic Utatsuyama area.
Features:
Offers a stunning view of Kanazawa Castle from the seating area. The owner trained at the famous “Yabusoba” in Tokyo, serving authentic, finely cut Edo-style soba that pairs beautifully with a rich katsuobushi (bonito-based) dipping sauce.
Menu Highlights:
Seasonal Soba Set: The most popular option, includes appetizers like “Jibuni” and shrimp wrapped in yuba (tofu skin), plus tempura or eel rice bowls, cold or hot soba, and dessert.
Kamo Nanban Soba: Juicy duck meat and grilled scallions make a perfect match.
Tempura Soba & Seiro: Freshly made soba served with crispy tempura including shrimp, sillago, squid, and seasonal vegetables.
Soba Kaiseki: A special course meal for groups of six or more, featuring luxurious seasonal dishes.
Ambience:
24 seats in a chic, modern Japanese space.
Seasonal wallpaper and tenugui (Japanese cloths) add a decorative touch.
Kenrokutei
Access:
Located within the nationally designated special scenic spot Kenrokuen Garden, about a 7–10 minute walk from the Hokuriku Railway Bus stop “Kenrokuen-shita.”
Features:
A historic establishment founded in 1918. Known as the originator of "Jibusoba," which combines soba with Kanazawa's traditional dish "Jibuni." The restaurant continues to preserve the region’s culinary heritage.
Menu Highlights:
Signature Jibusoba: Soba topped with “Jibuni” (a local stew made with duck or chicken, gluten, and vegetables). Comes with seasonal sweets and boiled greens. A set with Kaga vegetable tempura rice bowl is also available.
Jibuni Set Meal: A quintessential Kaga meal set including “Jibuni” and seasonal mixed rice.
Ambience:
A tranquil setting surrounded by Kenrokuen’s natural beauty.
Offers views of Japan’s oldest fountain.
Spacious with 120 seats, including traditional tatami floor seating where you can stretch your legs.
Yamanoha
Access:
A 20-minute drive from Kanazawa Station. A hidden gem nestled in a residential area near the Kanazawa South General Sports Park.
Features:
A genuine soba restaurant that preserves the traditional techniques of Shinshu soba. They are particular about using homemade noodles, offering two types: "juwari soba" made from 100% locally sourced buckwheat flour, and "ni-hachi soba" made with a blend that includes buckwheat from Hokkaido.
Menu Highlights:
Yamaji Lunch (a set of small soba and a small rice bowl) is especially popular. You can choose between a tempura bowl or a tuna bowl.
Seasonal special: Lotus root puree soba — a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Kaga vegetables.
A variety of creative soba dishes such as walnut soba, sudachi citrus soba, and nameko mushroom soba.
The grilled miso with dashi is exceptional — a must-try that keeps customers coming back.
Atmosphere:
13 counter seats and traditional Japanese-style seating available.
A serene and relaxing space in a quiet residential neighborhood.
A Journey of Kimono and Soba in Kanazawa — Moments to Cherish
Soba enjoyed in kimono, against a backdrop of atmospheric streets, is an exceptional experience. In Kanazawa, dining is not just about eating—it’s an immersive cultural experience. The elegant scenery and expertly crafted soba bowls combine to create beautiful memories that enrich your trip.
Kimono Rental in Kanazawa: Wargo Korinbo Store
Written by AutoReserve Editorial Team
About AutoReserve:
Japan’s leading gourmet reservation platform with the largest number of bookable restaurants.
Learn more
