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Higashi Chaya District invites you into Kanazawa’s elegant past, where geisha once entertained in wooden teahouses and artisans perfected the city’s golden craft.

People walk down a wide stone-paved street lined with traditional wooden buildings under a partly cloudy sky in Higashi Chaya, a historic Japanese district.

A Window Into Kanazawa’s Edo-Era Past

During our visit, we wandered the cobbled streets of the Higashi Chaya District, where time seemed to slow with every step. Ochre-colored wooden buildings lined our path—once the lively heart of Kanazawa’s geisha culture, now one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.

Even with the mix of tourists and modern shops, the district held onto its old-world charm. Latticework façades, narrow lanes, and the soft glow of paper lanterns pulled us into a different era, reminding us how deeply history still lives here.

What Is a Chaya?

A vibrant red entryway at Higashi Chaya features decorative fans and crabs on the wall, a wooden accent piece, a small vase with flowers, and red noren curtains adorned with white Japanese characters.

The Higashi Chaya District brims with history, known for its chaya (茶屋)—traditional teahouses where geisha have entertained guests since the Edo period (1603–1868). These lively gatherings featured music, dance, games, and graceful conversation.

Today, many of the old teahouses have become shops or cafés, but two still offer a meaningful connection to Kanazawa’s cultural roots:

  • Ochaya Shima (志摩): This elegantly preserved teahouse museum is now a designated Important Cultural Asset. With a small entry fee, you can wander through the rooms where geisha once performed and take a close look at their instruments and accessories.
  • Kaikaro Teahouse (懐華樓): Visit during the day for tea service in a functioning teahouse, or book ahead for an evening performance by geisha. It’s a rare and unforgettable chance to experience these timeless traditions in person.

Both places give you a special glimpse into the fascinating world of geisha and the cultural heritage that makes Kanazawa so unique.

Traditional Design, Timeless Beauty

A traditional Japanese wooden building in Higashi Chaya with sliding lattice doors, tiled roof, and upper windows, located on a paved street with a stone lantern near the entrance.

The architecture here is beautifully preserved. We loved how each building seemed to tell a story—wooden lattice windows (called kimusuko), clay walls tinted red with local pigments, and tiled roofs shaped by centuries of design.

While the teahouses form the heart of the district, many storefronts now showcase local crafts. We saw shimmering gold-leaf souvenirs, handmade sweets, and local lacquerware.

Kanazawa’s Golden Legacy

Kanazawa proudly holds the title of Japan’s gold leaf capital. Back in the Edo period, the Maeda clan actively supported local artisans, helping gold leaf production become one of the city’s most celebrated industries. Today, over 99% of Japan’s gold leaf is still crafted here.

Just a few blocks from the main teahouse street, we visited the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum (金沢市立安江金箔工芸館). It’s small but fascinating. You can see how gold leaf is made, learn about its role in temples and crafts, and watch artisans at work. We were amazed to learn that even Kyoto’s famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is covered with Kanazawa gold.

Tip: The museum is quiet and air-conditioned, making it a great stop on a hot afternoon.

How to Get to Higashi Chaya District

Bus

  • From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop, RL) and get off at Hashibacho Stop (RL5), then walk 5 minutes.
  • Total travel time: About 15 minutes.

Taxi

  • A taxi from Kanazawa Station takes about 10 minutes and costs around ¥1,000–¥1,500 depending on traffic.

Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning for quieter streets and better chances of visiting teahouses without long waits.

Experience The Charm of Higashi Chaya District

A narrow stone-paved alley lined with traditional wooden buildings and small potted plants in the historic Higashi Chaya district on a sunny day.

If you love history, old architecture, or have always been curious about Japan’s geisha culture, Higashi Chaya District is such a rewarding place to explore. We really enjoyed how walkable it was and how much we discovered just by strolling around the streets,

Whether you’re sipping matcha in a teahouse, picking up a gold-leaf souvenir, or just taking in the quiet charm of the streets, this neighborhood invites you to slow down and experience a beautiful slice of old Japan. We hope you get the chance to visit when you’re in Kanazawa!

More to Explore Nearby

After strolling through the lantern-lit alleys and teahouses of Higashi Chaya District, discover more of Kanazawa’s unique cultural offerings nearby:

  • Nishi Chaya District – A smaller, quieter geisha district with traditional wooden buildings and a local museum.
  • Myoryu-ji Temple (Ninja-dera) – This “ninja temple” is filled with hidden doors, trap staircases, and defensive secrets.
  • Kanazawa Food Guide – Find where to try Jibuni stew, gold leaf ice cream, Kanazawa curry, and more local specialties.
  • Oyama Shrine – A Shinto shrine known for its fusion of Japanese and Western design, tucked between downtown and the samurai district.