Shinsen is a specialty restaurant serving ultra-rich pork bone broth ramen, located in the Inshoku-dori street of "Kanazawa Chuo Oroshiuri（central wholesale） Market".

Since its opening in July 2003, its uniquely addictive bowls have drawn long lines, earned numerous awards, and consistently ranked No.1 in sales at ramen events across Japan. Featured frequently in the media, Shinsen continues to expand its fan base even after 20 years, playing a key role in boosting Kanazawa’s ramen scene.

Shinsen 

Address: 4-7-1 Sainen, Kanazawa City

Access: 3 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station West Exit, get off at “Sainen Nishi”  and 5 minutes walk.

Phone number: +81 76-264-1144

Business hours: Weekdays / 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:30 PM–11:00 PM 

Weekends / 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Closed: Generally open every day

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1. Shinsen is located within 2 km of Kanazawa Station. It's perfect opportunity for some light walking before or after your meal.

2. The most popular menu, the "Special Chūka Soba"(1,250 yen). It’s a luxurious and satisfying bowl, with lavish toppings that cover the soup and noodles.

3. In order to finish the “100% pork bone” broth, which is highly variable from day to day, selected chefs look after and sharpen their senses every day to serve a perfect bowl.

4. With the first sip, the rich flavor of pork hits you. It’s a bowl where the sharpness of the soy sauce and the bold flavor of the pork bone broth are perfectly balanced.

5. The aged thin straight noodles, a special custom creation by the owner, combine the flavor of Japanese wheat with the firmness of imported wheat. The rich, smooth broth perfectly clings to the noodles.

6. On the table, you'll find the free "cabbage kimchi", which has a unique texture and flavor that’s addictive.

7. As soon as you enter the shop, the aroma of the homemade broth fills the air. The various awards displayed and the signs detailing the shop's dedication truly embody the essence of Shinsen.

On the way from Kanazawa Station to Omicho Market, you’ll find Kanazawa Ekimae Betsuin-dori Shopping Street, a perfect spot for a quick stop. Here lies "Men-ya Shirasagi", a ramen shop specializing in chicken-based broth. Opened in 2018 as the second branch of "Uguisu", a popular ramen spot in the bustling Katamachi district. It features a salt-forward flavor profile with both chintan (clear broth) and paitan (rich, creamy broth). Loved by locals, it’s a go-to not just for lunch but also for a satisfying late-night bowl.

Men-ya Shirasagi

Address: 19-6 Yasuecho, Kanazawa City

Access: 10-minutes walk from JR Kanazawa Station

Phone: Not available

Business Hours: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM / 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Closed: Sundays

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1. Men-ya Shirasagi stands out with its pure white walls, white noren curtain, and white banners.

2. The top recommendation is the "Tokusen Kōmi Soba Shio" (1,280 yen) with all the toppings. The broth, made with four types of salt and a blend of seafood dashi soup, is not just light but has a gentle and mellow depth.

3. A meticulously crafted two-layer broth

4. The standard "chashu", single slice of pork shoulder, but the "Tokusen" version adds chicken thigh and chicken breast, creating a flavorful trio. The rich, savory taste from each ingredient makes it even more irresistible.

5. The medium-thin straight noodles perfectly absorb the broth, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor and texture of the wheat. 

6. The monochrome-themed interior creates a hidden-away atmosphere, making for a special dining experience.

The handmade noodles, crafted for firmness and rich wheat flavor, gently embrace a pure animal-based broth made exclusively from chicken, beef, and pork. This traditional bowl, unchanged since the restaurant's founding in 1947, is now carried on by the second-generation owner. With a depth of flavor that goes beyond mere nostalgia, it continues to captivate locals.

Chinese Restaurant Heiwaken

Address: 13-7 Oyama-cho, Kanazawa City

Access: 3-minute walk from the "Minamicho-Oyama Jinja" bus stop

Phone: +81 76-221-3993

Business Hours: Weekdays/ 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Saturdays/ 11:30 AM–7:00 PM
Holidays/ 11:30 AM–5:00 PM

Closed: Sundays

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1. In the heart of Kanazawa’s city center stands Oyama Shrine, known for its striking stained-glass shinmon (main gate). Heiwaken is located just to its right.

2. The "Wonton Noodles" (1,080 yen), a dish even legendary Chinese chefs have repeatedly returned for.

3. A master who has been honing his craft for over 50 years in the heart of the business district.

4. The "Kagayaki Set" (1,760 yen), which includes wonton noodles and fried rice, is extremely popular among tourists.

5. The thin, straight noodles are hand-rolled before opening and left to rest overnight.

6. The homemade wontons are a delightful dish, with a rich flavor from the filling and a smooth, slippery texture that’s enjoyable to eat.

7. The menu is available in foreign languages (English, Chinese, and Korean). The master uses translation tools to warmly engage with international customers.

Men-ya Taiga is a popular ramen shop tucked away in an alley near Kanazawa Station, where lines form daily. They changed the ramen scene in Kanazawa—a city once known as a barren land for miso ramen. The standard dish features a clear broth concentrated with the savory flavors of chicken, pork, and dried ingredients, combined with a special sauce made from white and red miso. Building on this foundation, they offer a variety of options with different colors, flavors, and preparations.

Kanazawa Miso Men-ya Taiga Honten
Address: 6-3 Horikawamachi, Kanazawa City
Access: 5-minutes walk from JR Kanazawa Station
Phone: +81 76-260-7737
Business Hours: 11:00AM–3:00PM / 5:30PM–11:00PM *May close early if ingredients run out.
Closed: Irregular holidays

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1. Just a 5-minutes walk from Kanazawa Station, Taiga attracts 200 to 300 customers daily.

2. The "Special Miso Ramen" (1,630 yen) is a luxurious version of the standard menu, with two slices of chashu（braised pork）, extra menma（bamboo shoots）, a boiled egg, and seaweed added.

3. The piping hot, fragrant bowl is created through a process where meat, vegetables, miso sauce, and broth are all simultaneously cooked in a cast-iron pot.

4. The luxurious toppings include homemade chashu made from Ishikawa Prefecture’s brand pork, "Noto Buta," and a rich, flavorful boiled egg from Aomori Prefecture.

5. The noodles are medium-thick and wavy, ensuring they hold their own against the rich broth and bold toppings.

6. Before the meal, "ginger juice" is served. It helps reset the palate, prevents heaviness after eating, and boosts metabolism.

Hachiban Ramen is an essential name when talking about Hokuriku’s beloved local flavors and staple dishes. Since its founding in 1967, it has stayed true to its original four types of “vegetable ramen” while offering a diverse menu. The Kanazawa Station branch is especially popular among tourists, standing out as the only location inside a train station among their over 100 shops, mainly spread across the three Hokuriku prefectures.

Hachiban Ramen Kanazawa Station Branch
Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbo-machi, Kanazawa City (Kanazawa Hyakubangai Anto 1F)
Phone Number: +81 76-260-3731
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last order: 9:30 PM)
Closed: Open year-round

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1. The restaurant is located on the first floor of Kanazawa Hyakubangai Anto.

2. The signature dish of Hachiban Ramen, "Vegetable Ramen" (759 yen), has been offered in four flavors—miso, shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), and butter-flavored—since the restaurant's founding. In Ishikawa Prefecture, the shio flavor is the most popular.

3. The soup, simmered together with vegetables in a wok, blends sweetness and umami into a harmonious flavor before being poured piping hot into the bowl. Notably, only certified "Frying Pan Meisters" are entrusted with this cooking process.

4. Their concept is to serve a bowl that is gentle, nostalgic, and comforting. The "Vegetable Koku-uma Ramen" (880 yen), featuring a pork bone soy sauce base, is also a popular choice.

5. The key to enjoying the "Vegetable Ramen" is to mix the plenty of vegetables with the firm noodles, allowing them to blend with the soup. They can also accommodate special orders such as "extra vegetables," "half noodles with the same amount of vegetables," or "no noodles, just vegetables."

6. The most popular side menu item is the Gyoza. The "Hachiban Set", which combines your preferred "Vegetable Ramen" with gyoza, is offered at a great value set price.

7. Currently, there are 114 stores in Japan, and the brand has expanded significantly with over 170 stores in Thailand and Vietnam.

8. The touch panel for ordering can be converted to English. Forks are available instead of chopsticks.

9. A space for large luggage is provided at the entrance of the store.

10. There are also table seats, making it a great spot for families and groups to relax. Ramen is also available for takeout.