Key Facts
• Iwana Chaya, a trout cuisine restaurant in Kanazawa, attracts young visitors.
• Located in Futamata, the restaurant uses spring water from Mount Io for trout farming.
• The restaurant’s trout dishes include grilled fish, tempura, and sashimi.
• A video posted on Instagram in spring 2025 garnered nearly 300,000 views.
• The video showcased the restaurant’s rustic charm and trout swimming in clear water.
• Visitor numbers increased from 15 daily to 40 on weekdays, doubling on weekends.
• The restaurant now often requires reservations due to high demand.
• Iwana Chaya was founded in 1973 and rebuilt after a fire in 2000.
• In July 2023, heavy rains caused landslides, damaging trout farming facilities.
• Despite challenges, owner Taro Ose remains committed to continuing operations.
Summary
Iwana Chaya, a trout cuisine restaurant in Kanazawa’s Futamata area, has seen a surge in young visitors after a viral Instagram video highlighted its rustic charm and unique dishes. The restaurant, known for its trout raised in Mount Io’s spring water, offers grilled fish, tempura, and sashimi. Visitor numbers have significantly increased, with weekdays seeing 40 guests and weekends nearly doubling that figure. Founded in 1973, the restaurant has overcome challenges, including a fire in 2000 and landslide damage in 2023. Despite these setbacks, owner Taro Ose remains dedicated to preserving the restaurant’s legacy and welcoming visitors to this hidden gem.
