How to Order at an Izakaya in Kanazawa: The Japanese You Actually Need
Ten short phrases, what that small dish you never ordered is, and how paying works. From an English coach who teaches this stuff for a living.
Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa, from someone who lives here.
Kanazawa, explained by a local English coach: what to eat, where to go at night, and the Japanese you actually need.
I'm ZUMA, an English coach based just outside Kanazawa. I write the things visitors ask me about: what to eat, where to go after dark, what is in season, and how to get by when the menu is only in Japanese. Places I recommend are places I have been to myself. More about me.
Latest
All articles →Crab Season in Kanazawa: Kano-gani and Kobako-gani, Explained
Why the whole city gets excited in early November, the difference between the two crabs, and what to look for on a menu.
Kanazawa for First-Timers: How to Spend One, Two or Three Days
A simple plan from a local: what to see in what order, the timing tricks that save you a queue, and when to stay for the evening.
Katamachi, Kiguramachi and Korinbo: Where Kanazawa Goes Out at Night
A first-timer's map of the city's nightlife districts, how to get there from Kanazawa Station, and what each one feels like.
How to Meet Locals in Kanazawa (Without Booking a Tour)
Most travelers only talk to hotel and restaurant staff. Here is a relaxed way to actually spend an afternoon with people who live here.
Welcome to Kanazawa Local
Why an English coach who lives next door to Kanazawa is writing a travel guide, and what makes this one different.
Browse by topic
- Plan Your TripGetting here, getting around, how many days, and what to know before you arrive.1 article
- Eat & DrinkSeafood, oden, sake, cafés and how ordering actually works.1 article
- NightlifeBars, izakaya and the districts where Kanazawa goes out.1 article
- Things to DoGardens, old streets, museums and day trips, with local timing tips.1 article
- Seasons & EventsCrab season, snow, cherry blossoms and what is on this month.1 article
- Useful JapaneseShort phrases that make restaurants, shops and taxis easier.0 articles
Nightlife by area
Nightlife Guide →- Katamachi 片町The busiest nightlife district in Kanazawa.1 place
- Kiguramachi 木倉町A narrow street of small restaurants and bars next to Katamachi.0 places
- Kakinokibatake 柿木畠A small neighborhood of cafés and restaurants right next to Korinbo.0 places
- Korinbo 香林坊Downtown Kanazawa, a short walk from Katamachi.0 places
- Kanazawa Station 金沢駅周辺Handy if you are arriving late or leaving early.0 places
- Other areas その他Good nights outside the main districts.0 places