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Where Traditional Culture Meets The Growing Diversity of Plant-Based Dining
Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture), a historic castle town known for its samurai heritage, traditional crafts, and refined cuisine, is taking another meaningful step toward inclusive dining. Starting January 2026, three restaurants across the city have begun offering vegan-friendly menus, expanding options not only for visitors but also for local residents.
What makes this development especially exciting is the variety: a traditional Japanese restaurant inside a famed garden, a lively izakaya, and a stylish bar have all joined the movement. Together, they show how Kanazawa’s rich food culture and modern food diversity can coexist beautifully.
1. Kenrokutei
Seasonal Vegetable Tendon with Kaga Vegetables in Kenrokuen Garden
Located inside Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokutei has introduced a vegan seasonal vegetable tendon (tempura rice bowl) featuring local Kaga vegetables.
Using carefully selected seasonal produce from Ishikawa, the dish highlights the natural flavors and textures of vegetables while remaining hearty and satisfying. Enjoying a meal here means taking a peaceful break surrounded by one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes—an experience that feels uniquely Kanazawa.
| Restaurant Name | Kenrokutei |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-20 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture (inside Kenrokuen Garden) (Google Maps) |
| TEL | 076-261-3783 |
| Opening Hour | 9:30〜16:00 |
| Website | https://kenrokutei.com/ |
| Happy Cow | On application |
2.Kanazawa Oden & Obanzai Sakaba Sansan
Classic Izakaya Favorites—Now Vegan
A beloved local izakaya, Sansan has reimagined popular Japanese comfort foods such as oden, curry, and karaage in vegan-friendly versions. Through creative use of plant-based dashi and seasonings, the restaurant preserves the familiar “izakaya taste” without using animal-derived ingredients.
This flexibility makes Sansan ideal for group dining, especially when vegan and non-vegan guests want to enjoy the same table and atmosphere together.
Note: Vegan oden requires advance reservation.
| Restaurant name | Kanzawa Oden to Obanzai Sakaba Sansan |
|---|---|
| Address | 3F, 1-3-9 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 〒920-0981 (Google Maps) |
| TEL | 076-205-3192 |
| Opening Hour | 12:00〜27:00 (Closed on Wednesday) |
| HP | https://sansan.redsun-knzw.com/ |
| Happy Cow | On application |
3.BAR Starlit
Vegan Bar Food with Over 100 Types of Rum
Located in central Kanazawa, BAR Starlit is known for its impressive collection of over 100 kinds of rum and rum-based cocktails. Now, the bar has added vegan-friendly options made entirely from plant-based ingredients, including tacos and French fries.
These light bites pair perfectly with cocktails, allowing guests to relax and enjoy Kanazawa’s nightlife with confidence. Stylish yet approachable, BAR Starlit is popular with both locals and travelers.
| Restaurant Name | BAR Starlit |
|---|---|
| Address | Kurihara Bldg. 4F, 4014 Kakigibatake, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 〒920-0999 (Google Maps) |
| TEL | 076-209-5456 |
| Opening Hour | Mon 18:00～25:00 Tues 18:00～25:00 Wed 21:00～25:00 Thurs 18:00～25:00 Fri 18:00～27:00 Sat 18:00～27:00 Sun 18:00～25:00 |
| Website | https://www.starlit.jp/ |
| Happy Cow | On application |
A More Inclusive Kanazawa Experience
From serene garden dining to late-night drinks, these three new vegan-friendly options reflect Kanazawa’s evolving hospitality—one that respects tradition while welcoming diverse lifestyles. For travelers seeking plant-based meals without giving up cultural authenticity, Kanazawa is becoming an even more rewarding destination to explore.
