Food in Ishikawa is regarded as some of the best in the country. The local cuisine benefits from the area’s rich culinary heritage, fertile land, and access to abundant fishing grounds in the Sea of Japan.
During the Edo period (1603–1867), present-day Ishikawa was part of the Kaga domain, the richest domain in all of Japan. The ruling Maeda family’s emphasis on hospitality, influenced by their devotion to the tea ceremony, led them to promote the area’s culinary culture. The Maedas also encouraged the work of master artisans, whose dedication and skill influenced the region’s chefs.
Visitors can enjoy Ishikawa cuisine at restaurants, farm stays, markets, and English-language cooking classes.