Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Kanazawa Chaya District 🌿
Thandie NewtonThandie Newton
362
It's kind of, you need to know the history so here: Higashi Chaya District, also known as Higashi Chaya-gai (ひがし茶屋街), is one of Kanazawa’s most well-preserved geisha districts, offering a glimpse into the city’s Edo period (1603-1868) history. The term **"Chaya"** refers to traditional tea houses where geisha would entertain guests through dance, music, and conversation. These establishments were integral to the cultural life of Japan's feudal society. ### **History & Significance** - **Formation**: The district was established in 1820, during the rule of the Maeda Clan, Kanazawa's powerful feudal lords. The district was designated as a government-sanctioned area for entertainment, much like the geisha districts in Kyoto (e.g., Gion). - **Geisha Culture**: Geisha in this area were highly trained in the arts, including playing musical instruments like the shamisen, singing, and performing traditional dances. The exclusivity and refinement of geisha entertainment made it a prestigious and luxurious experience for wealthy patrons. - **Preservation**: Higashi Chaya District remains remarkably well-preserved with its cobbled streets and wooden lattice façades of traditional Chaya houses, many of which are still standing today. It is one of three surviving Chaya districts in Kanazawa, alongside Nishi Chaya and Kazue-machi Chaya. - **Tourism**: Today, the district is a cultural attraction where visitors can explore former tea houses, such as **Shima Tea House**, which is open to the public as a museum showcasing the lifestyle and arts of geisha from the period. Walking through Higashi Chaya feels like stepping back in time, with traditional buildings intact and a quiet, historical atmosphere. The district not only highlights Kanazawa’s rich cultural heritage but also reflects the artistry and traditions that flourished in Japan’s Edo period.
Christopher ChanChristopher Chan
00
I went last week and due to the misconception that Kanazawa is shut down due to the 1/1 earthquake, it was almost devoid of tourists. So, if you want to visit Higashi Chayagai and be able to walk around without throngs of tourists and not have to wait in line to eat at some of the cafés and restaurants, now might be a good time to go. Like others have mentioned, it is pretty touristy, but it's worth it in my opinion, especially, if you go early in the morning. Most places open at 10AM or later, but a few gift shops like Bikazari Asano, Hakuichi, and Nakataya open at 9 AM. So you can go, take crowd-free photos, swing by those stores which are all located close to each other, and then hit a café as soon as it opens. By the time you're done, the tour groups (which are largely absent now, but I'm sure will return soon) will start arriving, so you can go explore the shops in the less crowded back alleys before heading out to lunch somewhere else. Just a suggestion. I went multiple times, but I happened to go once while it was snowing and the place was absolutely magical with the lanterns lit up. I also enjoyed popping into the little shops on the side streets as you can stumble onto little gems like Kurumiya (which sells assorted tenugui hand towels). For a more upscale lunch or dinner Busaku was an excellent option, but reservations are recommended. As far as prices are concerned, they are what you would expect from a tourist area, so don't expect any bargains...but with the USD being so strong, I found almost everything to be reasonably priced. Just one word of caution for visitors in the winter - be very careful when it's snowy/icy. The ice can be pretty hard to see on the stone pavement, and I saw several people (including locals) taking pretty nasty falls there.
VT AVT A
00
Took the local blue and white JR bus from Kanazawa station. Please note that these buses are made for basically no luggage. Travellers tip: If you are carrying a backpack, carry it at the front. Furthermore, get on from the back of the bus and alight at the front and pay. When boarding, grab a ticket from the ticket dispenser OR tap your IC card. When alighting, drop your ticket into the box at the front with cash payment. If you only have big money (non exact change, the machine at the exit will give you 100 yen coins to make exact payments) - the bus drivers are very helpful. The minimum payment amount is 210 yen. Kanazawa station to Higashi Chaya is only about 4 stops away, so be prepared to hop off when you see a bridge with a river running perpendicular to the bridge. You need to get off BEFORE the bridge. I accidentally missed the stop, but the next stop is not too far anyway, and you can easily walk back. Went to visit Higashi Chaya on a Saturday when it was raining/snowing. Be careful due to snow melting and watery grounds. If you walk along the main strip, there are no cars, but it will be crowded with people. There are lots of small shops, boutique stores, and food places for dining, enjoying tea and desserts. There probably wasn't much of a queue due to the wet weather. A very beautiful place that is natsukashii (nostalgic) in Japanese terms!..even the toilet building is beautiful!
Eva SawEva Saw
00
Interesting walk into the past! Plenty of shops line the area, mostly cafes and gift shops. Great place for a stroll, especially during the light rain, which amplified the beauty of the wood houses and the brick and stone streets. Taking photos is tricky here due to the many other people walking around. No big deal, if you’re patient you can get a few clear shots. I actually enjoyed people in my photos for once, due to the rain, they were all carrying umbrellas, and that made for some interesting shots. But if you hope to capture a scene absent of any modern day interferences, might be tough, ha ha. One thing I wish was it was bigger, it was a long walk getting there and I managed to walk through it in only a few minutes, and I took my time too, but even that was not enough to make it worth walking 4km to get to. My advice, maybe drive by or bus it, spend some time walking the streets and smelling what I believe was the wood, and then carry on to the garden and castle a short walk away.
MohMoh
00
Renowned for its classic wooden teahouses, small lanes, and cultural appeal, the well maintained geisha area Higashi Chaya area in Kanazawa With antique teahouses like Shima and Kaikaro letting guests tour the inside and learn about geisha culture, it provides a window into Japan's Edo-period past. Gold leaf items, including gold-covered ice cream and candies, are another reason the region is well-known. Visitors especially in the evening when lanterns light the streets find it appealing because of its beautiful environment. Though it looks great at night, most stores close early, therefore limiting nighttime activities; it may also get somewhat congested, especially on weekends and holidays. The flood of souvenir stores causes some of the region to seem commercialized as well. Nevertheless, Higashi Chaya District is still a must-see in Kanazawa since it presents a special fusion of history, culture, and local handicap work.
Manpreet SinghManpreet Singh
00
Nearby Attractions Of Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
近江町いちば館
Kazuemachi Chaya District
Ishikawa Local Products Center
Ishikawa-mon Gate
Hotel Forza Kanazawa
Geisha House Shima
Hakuichi Higashiyama Store
Ozaki Shrine
Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
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Nearby Restaurants Of Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
Omicho Market
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
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1 Chome Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831, Japan
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city.kanazawa.lg.jp
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Overview
4.2
(7.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: 近江町いちば館, Kazuemachi Chaya District, Ishikawa Local Products Center, Ishikawa-mon Gate, Hotel Forza Kanazawa, Geisha House Shima, Hakuichi Higashiyama Store, Ozaki Shrine, Kanazawa Phonograph Museum, Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, restaurants: Omicho Market, Mori Mori Sushi Omicho, Omicho Ichiba Sushi, Ushioya, 香りん寿司_Kourin Sushi, Yamasan Sushi Honten, Omicho Shokudo, Steak Rokkakudō, Cafe Tamon, Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café
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