- 2024-08-10
Discover the Best of Miyajima: A Guide to Top Attractions and Delicious Local Cuisine
Miyajima,locatedinHatsukaichiCity,HiroshimaPrefecture,……
Omicho Market in Kanazawa is a lively and iconic spot, bustling with activity and offering a wide range of fresh seafood, produce, and local delights.
Even if you’re just walking through, the market offers an authentic taste of the city’s daily life and culture.
Originally established as a simple shopping market, it has now evolved into one of the top tourist destinations in the region. Here’s an overview of how to make the most of your visit.
Omicho Market is especially vibrant in the morning, with stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. One of the highlights is the pre-cut fruit, which can be a delicious and healthy snack as you stroll through the market.
Local housewives also flock to the market during this time, giving you a chance to hear the melodic Kanazawa dialect. If you arrive early, you’ll catch the freshest produce, as well as a unique insight into the local lifestyle.
By late afternoon, some vendors begin to close up shop, creating a different but equally charming atmosphere. Wandering through the market as the stalls wind down can be a relaxing and reflective experience.
While strolling through Omicho Market, you’ll notice that the vendors are grouped into two main sections: the seafood area and the produce area.
Though not strictly separated, it’s easy to identify the bustling fish stalls on one side and colorful fruit and vegetable vendors on the other.
This arrangement makes it convenient for visitors to compare prices and freshness at multiple stalls, especially for seafood lovers. Whether you’re looking to buy or simply marvel at the wide selection, the market offers an immersive and sensory experience.
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, Omicho’s “Seafood Street” is the place to be. One of the best aspects of the market is the ability to see a variety of seafood vendors all in one place, making it easy to compare prices and freshness.
Don’t forget to look for Kanazawa’s prized Notdoguro, a local specialty.
The market layout is designed with tourists in mind, with the “Fish Street” stretching straight from the Emza Entrance and the “Produce Street” extending from the Musashi Entrance. Start at the seafood section to get the full experience.
Omicho Market’s history runs deep. The market’s full name is actually “Seikatsu Omicho Market.” Historically, this spot housed two separate markets: Seikatsu Market for vegetables and Omicho Market for fish.
These two markets eventually merged, forming the Omicho Market we know today.
At the Musashi Entrance, you’ll find a stone monument that commemorates this history.
Below the market’s central street runs a canal, once an important part of the city’s infrastructure during the Edo period. The canal, known as the Tatsumi Waterway, was used to transport fresh fish and vegetables to the market.
Visitors can still see remnants of the market’s historical layout. The buildings near the canal have different heights, which is a subtle nod to the old boundary between the two markets. Look closely, and you might notice some shops have small steps inside—this is due to the varying elevations on either side of the former canal.
In addition to the vibrant market atmosphere, there are plenty of noteworthy attractions nearby. You can easily take a short walk to:
From Omicho Market, you can easily access major tourist spots like Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, making it a perfect stop on your way to these historic landmarks.
Here are some useful tips to enhance your experience:
Whether you’re here to shop, eat, or simply soak in the local atmosphere, Omicho Market is a must-see destination in Kanazawa. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and the freshest local products that capture the essence of this beautiful city.
If you’re planning a trip to Kanazawa, Omicho Market should be at the top of your list. It’s more than just a place to buy food—it’s a window into the daily lives and traditions of Kanazawa’s residents.