Japan's Most Authentic Sushi Is Hidden In A Wildly Underrated City

Visiting Japan is a bucket list item for so many people, one that is jam packed with must-dos, places to visit, and cultural traditions to experience. It is also a very expensive trip for many and thus, can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it's understandable that many travelers want to do as much as possible while prioritizing cultural authenticity. No trip to Japan is complete without a meal consisting of authentic Japanese sushi (especially at lower prices). But the place to find this delicious delicacy might not be where you expect. While popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are great, they are also full of tourist traps that cater to foreigners and may not be the most culturally accurate. To enjoy the culture and cuisine the way locals do, you may need to stray from the path most traveled and check out some hidden-gem cities in Japan.

Kanazawa is an underrated city that is a must-visit for sushi lovers. A two-and-half-hour ride on a bullet train from Tokyo will take you to this city on Japan's west coast which is the home to some of the best sushi restaurants that are coveted by Japanese locals all over the country. Of course, sushi is not the only thing Kanazawa has to offer travelers and locals alike.

While Kanazawa is lesser known to foreigners, it is very famous among Japanese locals. One of this city's many claims to fame is that it is home to some of the best sushi in the country. The city's location along the Sea of Japan makes it the best place for endless fresh fish, and the Kanazawa Seafood Market at the center of the city keeps this industry going. The fish from this market is auctioned off to local businesses and transformed into tasty meals for foreigners and locals to enjoy.

For cozy vibes and a sushi conveyor belt, check out Kirari, which is located near Kanazawa Station. Here you'll find fresh options made from fish that was caught the same day. The restaurant is also committed to authenticity and giving its customers the best experience possible. The menu is plentiful and has something for everyone. An average meal here costs less than $30 USD. The restaurant is also open until midnight, making it the perfect spot to grab a late-night bite.

Another great restaurant to check out is Sushi Kibatani, which was born out of the love and passion of a fishmonger's son. You'll find a more minimal vibe here but no shortage of great sushi. If you opt for the seasonal omakase menu, you'll get a slow and drool-worthy course that consists of seven to eight appetizers and 14 to 15 pieces of sushi. An average meal here can cost about $100 and can get up to $285, making it one of the city's bougier options.

Amazing, authentic sushi is not Kanazawa's only appeal. This city has seen 400 years of samurai history, making it a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. Here, you'll find a series of geisha and samurai neighborhoods, such as the Namagachi District which used to house high-ranking samurai from powerful clans. Lovers of Japanese history and/or the TV show "Shogun" can take a tour of the Nomura Residence where you'll find a full suit of armor and displays of swords among other artifacts. You may even be able to catch a geisha performance in the city. During the 17th century, the city turned from war to art, with the ruling clan of the time establishing a crafts workshop and inviting master craftspeople from all over the world to make works of art, which travelers can visit at the Ohi Museum. 

Today, the city is full of natural beauty, and visitors typically feel a sense of calm while there. When you're not walking through historical neighborhoods or visiting museums, you can visit one of the many gardens or partake in a tea ceremony. If you plan on staying the night, you'll find an abundance of traditional onsens and ryokans that'll have you appreciating the culture while getting a comfortable night's sleep. The best time to visit is March through May when the weather isn't too bad and the cherry blossoms are in bloom.