Food in Ishikawa is a big deal! Local specialties rule the roost here. A few year ago the "Noto-don" became very popular. "Don" or "donburi" are dishes served in a bowl over rice. Noto-don are donburi created by local restaurants only of local ingredients. You can follow a "donburi trail" when you travel around the Noto Peninsula.
Ishikawa is also well known for its fish. People in Japan say that the freshest, most delicious fish can be eaten in the Ishikawa area. One of the country's largest fisheries is in the Noto! Make sure to eat plenty of sushi and sashimi while you visit. Availability changes with the seasons. Make sure to try buri yellowtail, katsuo, saba horse mackerel, ika squid, tako octopus, ama-ebi sweet shrimp, maguro tuna, crab and the other 200 varieties available in this area.
Ishikawa is also famous for its traditional sweets called "wagashi." Many old family businesses still produce them the old fashioned way, carefully crafted from sweet bean paste and rice. A fresh, green, healthy treat with a cup of hot green tea.
