Close to sea and mountains, Kanazawa has earned its reputation as a culinary powerhouse with some of the best fresh produce in Japan. With your local host as a menu decipherer, sample street food at Omicho Market (the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”) – crunchy seafood- or veggie-filled Omicho croquettes are famous for being some of the best in the country and fried, skewered squid is always a treat. Cool down with Kanazawa’s glittering gold leaf ice-cream, and tuck into Kanazawa-style curry (a rich, gooey sauce served with a pork cutlet) or Hanton rice – fried rice under a blanket of runny omelet. Head to your host’s favorite izakaya and savor some of Japan’s freshest sashimi with a cold beer, and if you still have room? Try some local craft gins and craft beers!