1. What are the best bars and clubs to check out in Kanazawa?
Some popular bars and clubs to check out in Kanazawa are:
1. Tabiya Pub: This cozy pub offers a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and a variety of small plates.
2. Twin Star: Known for its live music performances and extensive drink menu, this bar is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
3. Club d’Onishi: This club has a spacious dance floor and hosts various events such as DJ nights, reggae parties, and hip-hop nights.
4. Bar Coccoon: With a relaxed ambiance and friendly bartenders, this bar offers a diverse selection of drinks including sake, whiskey, wine, and cocktails.
5. MENS CLUB GOLD: This upscale club features luxurious interiors, live music performances, and top-notch drinks.
6. Don’t Tell Mama Kanazawa: This LGBTQ-friendly bar offers a vibrant atmosphere with drag shows, mixology classes, and special events.
7. Orbit Kanazawa: A nightclub with high-tech sound systems and an energetic atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists.
8. Kanazawa MX Dome Movie Studio & Bar: A unique combination of a movie theater and bar where you can enjoy drinks while watching classic films on the big screen.
9. Sellar’s Craft Beer & Restaurant: If you’re a beer enthusiast, this is the place for you – they offer over 100 types of craft beers from around the world.
10. Hoshigaoka Lounge & Dining: Enjoy stunning city views from the top floor of Crowne Plaza ANA Hotel while sipping on delicious cocktails at this classy lounge bar.
2. Is there a popular music venue in Kanazawa for live performances?
Yes, there are several popular music venues in Kanazawa for live performances, including:
1. Kanazawa Jazz Street: This is an annual jazz festival held in the streets of Kanazawa and features numerous open-air stages for live performances.
2. Art Base ZERO: This multi-purpose cultural facility often hosts live music events, with a focus on alternative and indie music genres.
3. DOMA: Located in the heart of Kanazawa’s nightlife district, this bar and event space regularly hosts live music performances by local and touring bands.
4. Theater Ecopa: This large-scale theater hosts concerts by popular Japanese artists as well as international acts on tour in Japan.
5. Cliff Hanger Live House: A well-known live house venue in Kanazawa, featuring a variety of genres from rock to hip hop to electronic dance music.
Overall, there are many options for catching live music performances in various genres throughout Kanazawa.
3. Are there any well-known cocktail bars with unique drinks in the city?
Yes, there are several well-known cocktail bars in the city that are known for their unique and creative drinks. Some examples include:
– The Dead Rabbit: This award-winning bar is known for its extensive list of handcrafted cocktails, many of which are inspired by 19th-century recipes and techniques.
– Death & Co: This popular speakeasy-style bar is known for its inventive and constantly changing menu of cocktails, created with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail.
– Employees Only: This New York City transplant has gained a strong following in the city for its expertly crafted classic cocktails and innovative twists on traditional recipes.
– Tippler’s Tap: Located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this bar offers a rotating menu of seasonal cocktails made with house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients.
– Tiki Oasis: For tropical-inspired cocktails, head to this tiki bar that serves up creative concoctions in brightly colored glasses adorned with fruit garnishes and paper umbrellas.
4. What is the nightlife scene like in Kanazawa? Is it more laid-back or lively?
The nightlife scene in Kanazawa can vary depending on the area. In general, it is a mix of both laid-back and lively options.
In the Kata-machi district, there are many cozy bars and Izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) where you can enjoy drinks and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. This area tends to be more popular among locals and has a more traditional feel.
On the other hand, the Higashi Chaya district is known for its lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, bars, and street vendors selling local snacks. This area can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays with tourists looking to experience Kanazawa’s traditional geisha culture.
In addition, there are also modern clubs and music venues scattered throughout the city, offering a more upbeat nightlife experience. Overall, Kanazawa’s nightlife scene is diverse and caters to different tastes and preferences.
5. Are there any karaoke spots that locals recommend in Kanazawa?
Some popular karaoke spots among locals in Kanazawa include Karaoke Shangri-la, Big Echo Karaoke Box, and Jukebox Bar No. 2. These places offer private rooms for groups to sing and have drinks, as well as a wide selection of songs in various languages. Many locals also suggest checking out smaller, independent karaoke bars around the city for a more intimate and unique experience.
6. Are there any rooftop bars or lounges with a good view of the city?
Yes, there are several rooftop bars and lounges in London with a good view of the city. Some popular options include:
1. The Rooftop St. James: Located on the 7th floor of the Trafalgar St. James hotel, this rooftop bar offers stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye.
2. Radio Rooftop Bar: Situated on the 10th floor of the ME London hotel, this trendy rooftop bar boasts 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.
3. Jin Bo Law Skybar: This rooftop bar is located on the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel and offers panoramic views of famous landmarks like The Shard and Tower Bridge.
4. Madison: Perched atop One New Change building, Madison offers a great view of St Paul’s Cathedral along with delicious food and drinks.
5. Vista at The Trafalgar: Another rooftop bar at The Trafalgar hotel, it provides breathtaking views of Nelson’s Column and other famous landmarks.
6. Frank’s Cafe: This seasonal rooftop bar is situated in Peckham and offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline along with live music events.
7.Beautiful Britons Cocktail Bar & Terrace: Located at The Montcalm Royal London House Hotel, this elegant terrace features stunning views of London’s skyline alongside creative cocktails and light bites.
7. Do you know of any theme or concept bars in Kanazawa that are worth trying out?
Yes, there are a few theme or concept bars in Kanazawa that are worth trying out. They include:
1. The Ninja Bar: This bar is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese ninja village, with hidden doors and secret passages. The staff are dressed as ninjas and perform tricks and illusions throughout the night.
2. The Samurai Room: As the name suggests, this bar is themed around samurai culture. It has a traditional Japanese decor, and serves drinks named after famous samurai warriors.
3. Alice in Wonderland Bar: Inspired by the classic tale of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, this bar features whimsical decor and serves cocktails mixed with colorful “magic” ingredients.
4. The Pirate Ship Bar: This bar is designed to look like a pirate ship, complete with rope ladders, sails, and cannons. Customers can enjoy specialty rum drinks while surrounded by pirate-themed decorations.
5. Robot Restaurant & Bar: This unique bar features robot performances and LED light shows while serving up futuristic cocktails and snacks.
6. Vampire Bar: As the name suggests, this bar’s theme revolves around vampires. It has Gothic decor and serves up drinks like “Blood Red Wine” and “Vampire Kiss Martini.”
7. Flower Bar: This elegant bar features beautiful floral decorations and serves up flower-themed cocktails, using edible flowers as garnishes for drinks.
8. Are there any traditional Japanese-style izakayas (pubs) that tourists shouldn’t miss while visiting Kanazawa?
Some traditional Japanese-style izakayas in Kanazawa that are popular with tourists include:– Katamachi Tatemachi: This izakaya is located near the historic Higashi Chaya district and offers a cozy atmosphere with traditional décor and a wide variety of sake and dishes.
– Kin no Kura: Known for its extensive sake menu, this izakaya also offers delicious food in an intimate setting.
– Tachibana Shoten: This old-fashioned izakaya serves up local Kanazawa cuisine, such as jibuni (simmered duck) and kaisen-dons (seafood rice bowl), in a retro atmosphere.
– Jizake Sake Bar & Bistro: Located near the Ninja Temple, this modern izakaya specializes in local Kanazawa sake and serves creative dishes incorporating local ingredients.
– Sumiya: This atmospheric izakaya features tatami mat seating and a wide selection of sake. They also offer a variety of grilled skewers and other tasty dishes.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance for these popular spots, especially during peak seasons.
9. Which area of Kanazawa is known for its nightlife and entertainment options?
The Katamachi area, located in the central part of Kanazawa, is known for its lively nightlife and entertainment options. It is filled with restaurants, bars, clubs, and music venues, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
10. Is it common for establishments to have cover charges or entrance fees in Kanazawa’s nightlife scene?
Yes, it is common for some establishments in Kanazawa’s nightlife scene to have cover charges or entrance fees. This is typically seen in bars, clubs, and live music venues where patrons may need to pay a fee to enter the establishment and enjoy the entertainment or services offered. The amount of the cover charge or entrance fee can vary depending on the establishment and time of day. It is always best to check with the venue beforehand to confirm if there is a cover charge. Some restaurants and izakayas may also have a minimum spending requirement as an entrance fee during peak hours.
11. Can you recommend any late-night food options for after a night out in Kanazawa?
1. Ramen Santouka: This famous ramen chain offers delicious bowls of piping-hot noodles perfect for a late-night meal.
2. Ippudo: Another popular ramen spot with a variety of different broth flavors and toppings to choose from.
3. Rice Factory: This casual eatery serves hearty rice dishes, including curry, fried rice, and katsu don, until 4 AM.
4. Midnight Noodle House NEKONECO: Open until 5 AM, this cozy noodle shop offers udon, soba, and various toppings like tempura and egg.
5. Aoki’s Pizza: With locations throughout the city, Aoki’s is a great place to satisfy late-night cravings for pizza in Kanazawa.
6. Kanasu Shokudo: This local favorite serves Izakaya-style dishes featuring fresh seafood caught off the coast of Kanazawa until midnight.
7. Breizh Café Creperie: For something sweet or savory after a night out, head to this creperie with a wide selection of delicious crepes until midnight.
8. Ganbariya: If you’re craving some greasy comfort food after drinking, Ganbariya has you covered with their tasty okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) served until late.
9. Daruma Udon-kai: Featuring handmade udon noodles and traditional toppings such as tempura and fish cakes, this cozy spot is open 24 hours a day for all your late-night noodle needs.
10. Mamean Doromamme Syuujaku-ten: This unassuming restaurant may not look like much from the outside but they serve up delicious bowls of spicy mapo tofu noodles until 3 AM.
11. Convenience stores (such as Lawson or FamilyMart): Don’t overlook the convenience stores when looking for late-night snacks in Kanazawa! They offer a variety of pre-made meals, snacks, and drinks that are perfect for a quick and easy late-night bite.
12. Are there any underground or hidden gem bars worth checking out in the city?
Some popular underground bars worth checking out in the city include:– Please Don’t Tell (PDT): This hidden speakeasy-style bar is accessed through a phone booth inside the Crif Dogs restaurant.
– The Back Room: Located in the Lower East Side, this Prohibition-era styled bar has a secret entrance through a toy store.
– Angel’s Share: Tucked away behind an unmarked door inside a Japanese restaurant, this cozy Japanese-inspired cocktail bar offers a unique atmosphere.
– Fig 19: This subterranean bar features rotating art installations and creative cocktails, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Other hidden gem bars in the city can be found by exploring lesser-known neighborhoods such as Chinatown, East Village, or Brooklyn. These areas often have speakeasy-style bars or low-key dive bars that offer an authentic New York experience. It’s always worth asking around for recommendations from locals, as they may know of some off-the-beaten-path spots that are not widely known.
13. What type of dress code is usually required at most places for a night out in Kanazawa? Casual, fancy, etc.
The dress code for a night out in Kanazawa can vary depending on the destination and the occasion. Generally, it is best to err on the side of dressing slightly more formal than casual. For men, this could mean a nice collared shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. Women may opt for a dress or blouse with bottoms such as a skirt or trousers. However, some higher-end restaurants or bars may have a fancier dress code, so it is always best to check ahead of time if there are any specific requirements.
14. Is it easy to navigate through the city’s nightlife areas on foot? Or is it better to take public transportation/cabs?
It can be fairly easy to navigate through the city’s nightlife areas on foot, as many of the popular spots are within walking distance of each other. However, depending on the time of day and your specific destination, it may be more convenient to take public transportation or a cab. It’s always a good idea to plan your route and transportation options ahead of time to make navigating the city at night smoother.
15. Can tourists expect to see any street performers or entertainers while walking around the city at night?
It is possible to see street performers and entertainers while walking around the city at night, especially in areas with a high concentration of tourists, such as Times Square or the High Line. However, it may be less common during the colder months or in quieter neighborhoods. License laws and regulations also limit where these performers can set up and perform.
16. Are there any events or festivals that are specific to Kanazawa’s nightlife culture throughout the year?
1. Kanazawa Jazz Street (April): This annual event features live jazz performances at various venues throughout the city.
2. Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (June): This festival celebrates the history and culture of Kanazawa with traditional performances, food stalls, and parades.
3. Asanogawa River Fireworks Festival (August): Every summer, thousands of fireworks light up the sky above the Asanogawa River, creating a spectacular display for locals and visitors alike.
4. Machiya Neo-Night Market (September): This event showcases local craft and street food vendors in the historic machiya district of Kanazawa.
5. Kenrokuen Light-Up (October-November): During this event, the famous Kenrokuen Garden is illuminated at night with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.
6. Higashi Chaya Geisha District Winter Light-Up (December): The traditional geisha district is lit up with lanterns and decorations, creating a beautiful winter scene.
7. Morihachi sake brewery tours (year-round): Visitors can tour one of Kanazawa’s oldest sake breweries and learn about the process of making Japan’s famous rice wine.
8. Kaga Cuisine Food Tour (year-round): A guided tour that takes participants to various restaurants and shops to sample local Kaga cuisine dishes such as jibuni stew, seafood dishes, and sweets.
9. Sake no Jin Annual Sake Fair (March): A popular sake fair held every year in Kanazawa where visitors can taste over 500 different types of sake from all over Japan.
10. Toyonoaki Shrine Lantern Festival (July-August): This festival features thousands of lanterns lighting up Toyonoaki Shrine and its surroundings to celebrate Tanabata –a romantic Japanese star festival.
17. Is it common for foreigners to be able to communicate easily with staff and other patrons at establishments in Kanazawa’s nightlife scene?
Yes, it is common for foreigners to be able to communicate easily with staff and other patrons at establishments in Kanazawa’s nightlife scene. Many bars and clubs have English-speaking staff and menus, and locals are generally friendly and welcoming towards visitors. Additionally, many young Japanese people speak English as a second language, especially in popular tourist areas like Kanazawa. It is always helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Japanese to show respect and make communication easier, but overall there should not be major communication barriers in the nightlife scene in Kanazawa.
18. Are reservations recommended for popular bars and restaurants in the city, especially on weekends?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for popular bars and restaurants in the city, especially on weekends. This not only ensures that you have a guaranteed spot at the establishment, but it also allows the restaurant to properly prepare for your arrival and provide you with the best dining experience possible. Some of the most popular bars and restaurants in the city may book up weeks in advance, so it’s best to make reservations as early as possible.
19.Are drinks and food typically affordable at most places, or should tourists expect higher prices for a night out in Kanazawa?
The cost of drinks and food in Kanazawa varies depending on the type of establishment. Generally, there are affordable options available but some places may have higher prices for a night out. For example, street food, izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), and casual restaurants tend to have more reasonable prices, while upscale restaurants and bars may be more expensive. It is always a good idea to check the menu before ordering to avoid any surprises.
20. Do you know of any unique and quirky indie spots that offer a different experience from the typical nightlife scene in Kanazawa?
Yes, there are several unique and quirky indie spots in Kanazawa that offer a different experience from the typical nightlife scene. Here are a few options:
1. Bar SULE: This eclectic bar is housed in a refurbished 90-year-old building and features an ever-changing selection of art and live music performances.
2. OOOPS!: This intimate bar offers a cozy atmosphere with vintage furniture, hand-drawn menus, and retro games like pinball and darts.
3. Zushiya Bar: As the name suggests, this bar specializes in sushi and sake, but also boasts a fun atmosphere with rotating DJs and an extensive collection of vinyl records.
4. Hi! KA-NA-ZAWA!!!: This small bar serves up innovative cocktails inspired by local ingredients and traditional Japanese flavors.
5. Kuru-Kuru Rojiya: A hidden gem located in an underground passage beneath Omicho Market, it offers a quirky mix of vintage arcade games, craft beer, and delicious snacks.
Overall, these indie spots offer a more laid-back and less commercialized experience compared to the typical nightlife scene in Kanazawa.