Takenoko is the soft top of a young bamboo plant. Takenoko is grilled, steamed with rice, deep fried in tempura or boiled in soups and stews.
The Omi-cho Market first opened in the mid-1700's. Since that time the Market has been the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa. There are over 170 stalls in the Market with a relatively large number of stalls selling fresh fish from the Sea of Japan. (Kanazawa is not far from the Sea of Japan.) Other items sold at the Market are fresh vegetables and fruits, dried food, plants/flowers and clothing. Restaurants also are at the Market some of which specialize in rice bowls with local fresh fish on top.
Kanazawa is not as popular a tourist destination as some other cities in Japan because of its relatively remote location between mountains and the sea of Japan. During the Edo Period (early 1600's to the mid 1800's) Kanazawa was the seat of the second most powerful clan in Japan making it an influential city. The city escaped destruction during World War II because of its lack of industry. It is a culturally rich city famous for its seafood, crafts and historical buildings and items. Kanazawa and Takyama are two of the best preserved Edo Period major cities in Japan. Fortunately we saw both of them.
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