Explore Nagamachi Samurai District: Best Local Food, Sweets & Activities
The Nagamachi Samurai District is known for its earthen walls and stone-paved paths, which are classic features of Kanazawa’s old castle town. Just steps from the busy Korinbo area, this quiet neighborhood feels like a trip back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Enjoy traditional sweets with garden views, discover crafts like Kutani ware and Kaga Yuzen, and try unique hands-on experiences. It’s the perfect place to enjoy local food and create lasting memories of your trip to Kanazawa.
What Is the Nagamachi Samurai District?
The Nagamachi Samurai District is home to traditional earthen walls and stone-paved alleys, with impressive samurai residences still standing today. This area is designated as a traditional environment preservation zone, and its historic landscape is carefully maintained. In winter, visitors can see the local custom of "komo-kake", where straw coverings are placed on the walls to protect them from snow and freezing temperatures. This seasonal sight attracts many tourists. The district is also home to a variety of restaurants, local eateries, and cafes along the Kuratsuki Waterway, making it a bustling area with plenty of places to enjoy food and drinks.
- Nagamachi Samurai District
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- A stunningly preserved samurai district in the center of Kanazawa
- more
Sweets and cafes around Nagamachi Samurai District
Kanazawa is one of the three major Japanese confectionery destinations in Japan. In this neighborhood, there are many stores where you can enjoy Kanazawa's typical Japanese sweets while admiring the historical landscape and well-kept gardens.
♦Cafe MURAKAMI nagaya-mon store
The Japanese sweets cafe produced by "Wagashi Murakami", also known as Fukusa Mochi (wrapped rice cake), Wari gori (confectionery sugar and agar). At this cafe, where the old row-house gate still remains, you can eat Buke Yashiki Plate and Kinpaku (gold leaf) Dango.
Site / 2-3-33 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-264-4223
Open / 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Close / Irregular holiday
Official website (Japanese only)
♦Kanazawa Nagamachi Kayuan
The owner is well known for his additive-free fresh confections and matcha green tea, which he makes by hand every day from early in the morning. There are five to six varieties of fresh confections, which are prone to selling out by late afternoon.
Site / 2-2-38 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-221-2925
Open / 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Close / Monday, Thursday, Friday
♦Sakakobo Tarou onigawa store
Including the most popular Cacao Chocolate Yokan (sweet bean jelly), there is a wide variety of unique confections that bring a new style to Japanese confectionery. Here, you can enjoy Japanese sweets while admiring the beautiful garden!
Site / 1-3-32 Nagamachi, Kanazawa city
TEL / +81 76-223-2838
Open / 8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Close / Jan.1,2 Irregular holiday
Gourmet Spots in the Nagamachi Samurai District
Here are some of the gourmet restaurants you can enjoy at Nagamachi Samurai District.
♦Oishii Ippuku Kaburaki
The shop is housed in a traditional Japanese building that reflects the charm of the Nagamachi Samurai District. Inside, you'll find a variety of spaces where you can enjoy Kutani ware from different perspectives—a sales area, a gallery room, and dining counters with views of a tea room and garden. Relax to gentle music as you take your time and immerse yourself in the beauty of Kutani ware.
Site / 1-3-16 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-221-6666
Open / 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM *Open evenings by appointment only
Close / Irregular holidays
Official website (Japanese only)
♦SHUSAI AO
A restaurant where you can savour Kanazawa's seasonal ingredients and local sake
Featuring an extensive menu of dishes using locally sourced ingredients throughout the seasons, alongside a superb selection of wines and local Japanese sake, it is an irresistible lineup for drink enthusiasts.
Site:1-1-17 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL:076-231-2501
Open:Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun, Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays: 11:00–14:00 (Food L.O. 14:00, Drinks L.O. 14:00),17:00–21:30 (Food L.O. 21:00, Drinks L.O. 21:00)
Close: Wednesday
◆Ajidokoro TAKASAKI
This is a Japanese kappo restaurant near Nagamachi, offering seasonal dishes made from fresh local ingredients. With a cozy atmosphere, you can enjoy Kanazawa's flavors, including regional sake, in counter seating or private rooms.
Site / 1-2-22 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-231-0116
Open / 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Close / Sunday
Experience spots in the Nagamachi Samurai District
The Nagamachi District is full of places where you can experience Kanazawa's unique atmosphere and stores where you can buy souvenirs, all while maintaining the atmosphere of the old town. We will showcase a few of them and introduce them here. Why not experience Kanazawa's traditional culture along with a stroll around the city?
♦Aoki Cooking School
A cooking studio is offered alongside SHUSAI AO, where you can prepare and enjoy Kanazawa’s local dishes such as jibuni stew, pressed sushi, and lotus root dumplings.
Site / 1-1-17 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-231-2501
Open / 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Close / Sundays, National holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays
Official website (Japanese only)
♦Kaburaki Store Kanazawa Kutani Museum
Inside the tasteful Japanese-style building, Kutani ware and other items are sold, and the Kaburaki Collection is on display. The adjoining restaurant, "Oishi Ippuku Kaburaki," offers food and drinks while enjoying a view of the garden.
Site / 1-3-16 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-221-6666
Open / 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Close / Irregular holidays
Admission fee / Free
Ofiicial website (Japanese only)
◆atelier&gallery creava
Visitors can experience "Rokuro" (potter's wheel), "Kutani gosai" (five-colored porcelain), and "Akae kinsai" (red glaze with gold leef) at the pottery studio, which was renovated from a warehouse built in the Meiji period. It also has a gallery, store, and café.
Site / 2-6-51 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-254-1668（For reservation of ceramic art experience）
Open
・Ceramics Studio / Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays (See web page below for hours and other details) ※Reservations required
・Shop, Gallery, Cafe / 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Obon holidays, year-end and New Year holidays)
♦Aroma Studio TAKUYA
Our certified “incense masters” are well versed in the history and ingredients of incense, and our “aromatherapists” are able to explain the benefits of aroma from essential oils. There are also many Kanazawa souvenirs that are ideal as gifts for Kanazawa sightseeing. It is a recommended sightseeing and souvenir spot for fragrance lovers.
Site / 1-2-23 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
TEL / +81 76-255-6337
Open / 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Close / Tuesday
