Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya District is a historic geisha district located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was established in 1820 in the late Edo period and developed as a district of tea houses, or “ochaya,” where guests were entertained with songs, dances, shamisen music, and other traditional performing arts by geisha. Today, the district still preserves rows of machiya townhouses with black-tiled roofs and elegant lattice windows, as well as stone-paved streets. Owing to its outstanding historical value, it has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government. Within the preservation area, there are about 140 buildings, of which roughly two-thirds are preserved and passed down in excellent condition as traditional structures.

What makes Higashi Chaya District especially appealing is not only the beauty of the streetscape itself, but also the wide range of experiences available in the renovated machiya buildings. Along the streets are shops selling Japanese sweets, cafes housed in traditional townhouses, gold leaf products, traditional crafts, and sundries, allowing visitors to enjoy dining and shopping in a charming historical setting. Exploring the district in a rented kimono offers an experience that blends naturally with the townscape, making it a popular photogenic destination. In particular, the open plaza known as “Hiromi” is well known as a classic photo spot that symbolizes Higashi Chaya District.

The district also preserves valuable tea house architecture that is open to the public. “Shima,” a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is a tea house built in 1820 that remains almost exactly as it was at the time. Visitors can observe the distinctive tea house structure, in which the second floor serves as the main guest room, and the open spatial layout designed to emphasize entertainment. It is also possible to enjoy matcha while gazing out at the garden.

Another notable site is “Kaikaro,” known as the largest tea house building in Kanazawa. While it continues to operate under the traditional customs of “ichikyaku ichitei” and “ichigensan okotowari” — meaning one guest group at a time and no first-time walk-ins — it is open to the public during the day. Inside, visitors can admire a tatami tea room woven with gold leaf, a vermilion staircase finished with Wajima lacquer, and Kaga yuzen textiles used in the furnishings and decorative design. On certain days, events are held where guests can experience tea house entertainment, and the attached café and shop offer sweets made with gold leaf and original products.

Several tea houses are still active in Higashi Chaya District today, with more than a dozen geisha belonging to them. In Kanazawa, the custom of “ichigensan okotowari” is still respected, and without a special introduction it is not possible to enter the tatami rooms. However, at the Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall, visitors can learn about the history of the teahouse district, geisha culture, and traditional ozashiki entertainment.

Higashi Chaya District is also easily accessible, located about 2 kilometers from Kanazawa Station, and has no opening hours or admission fee, making it something like a “historic shopping street.” This townscape, which conveys the culture of the Edo period to the present day, combines with modern tourism and cultural experiences to create a place that continues to captivate many people with the distinctive atmosphere and elegance of Kanazawa.