Higashi Chaya District: Explore Kanazawa’s Historic Geisha Quarter of Edo-Era Teahouses and Gold Leaf Culture
Kanazawa has a rich history of flourishing as a castle town during the period from the 17th to 19th centuries, known as the Edo era. It prospered as one of the nation's leading cultural centers, and many traditional spots that preserve the history of that era still remain today.
Kanazawa flourished in this way because the Maeda clan, the feudal lords during the Edo period, devoted their efforts to cultural and economic development. Kanazawa's culture was led by the Maeda clan and many other samurai families, numerous samurai residences were built, and geisha districts also developed for their entertainment and that of merchants.
This time, we will introduce the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa, where the streetscape from the Edo period has been preserved intact. We will explain the highlights of the Higashi Chaya District, where traditional Japanese houses line the streets and geisha houses gather, as well as the must-see spots you should visit.
Higashi Chaya District is One of Kanazawa's Three Chaya Districts
Kanazawa has three Chaya Districts: Higashi, Nishi, and Kazuemachi. Chaya refers to geisha houses, and these areas are districts with a history of being bustling with geisha houses in the past.
The Higashi Chaya District is located about a 30-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. It is a beautiful area where traditional townhouses that were once geisha houses line the streets, and the historic streetscape has been preserved intact.
Each of these townhouses has now been renovated and converted into gift shops and cafes. There are also shops selling crafts using the famous gold leaf and gold leaf ice cream, as well as kimono rental shops where you can wear kimono while sightseeing.
Three Highlights of Higashi Chaya District
The Higashi Chaya District is a popular tourist destination visited by many travelers. Let us explain three highlights you should know before visiting the Higashi Chaya District.
Streetscape Retaining the Atmosphere of a Castle Town Representing the Ancient Capital "Kanazawa"
The main highlight of the Higashi Chaya District is that it preserves the old streetscape of Kanazawa, which is also called an ancient capital.
Traditional Japanese wooden houses line the streets, perfectly preserving the atmosphere from the time when Kanazawa prospered as a wealthy castle town from the 17th to 19th centuries. Its beauty and elegant atmosphere are even compared to Kyoto, Japan's premier capital city.
The small wooden buildings feature traditional Japanese townhouse architectural styles, including beautiful latticed bay windows. The roads are paved with old-fashioned stone.
Along the Asano River that flows through the Higashi Chaya District area, there are also cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring, adding color to the traditional streetscape. Once you step foot in this area, you can leisurely sightsee and stroll around feeling as if you've traveled back in time.
Geiko, the Inheritors of Japanese Culture, and Traditional "Tea Houses"
The second attraction of the Higashi Chaya District is the geiko and the Tea Houses called Chaya.
Geiko perform traditional dances, songs, and musical instrument performances at banquets and other gatherings. They spend years in rigorous training to master not only the arts to entertain guests, but also conversation skills, knowledge and culture, how to wear beautiful kimono beautifully, and proper deportment.
Geiko are special beings who inherit and embody Japanese culture. In the Higashi Chaya District, there are several Tea Houses that are not for tourists but where active geiko work daily to entertain guests, and where these geiko belong and continue to operate.
If you walk around the Higashi Chaya District in the evening, you might encounter real geiko walking to Tea Houses or their work destinations.
During the Event Period on Saturdays, You Can Experience Geiko Culture in Tea House Parlors!
Source:Official website
From April 2025 to March 2026, an event called "Ozashiki Asobi Experience: A Journey to Touch the Authentic Arts of Kanazawa Geiko" will be held across all three chaya districts in Kanazawa.
Tea houses have a traditional system, and normally you cannot enjoy entertainment at tea houses with geiko without an introduction from a regular guest.
However, during this event period on Saturdays, even tourists can meet real geiko, receive their hospitality, and experience banquet entertainment. You can also listen to traditional musical instrument performances up close.
If you're going to visit Kanazawa's Chaya District, definitely try to actually experience the hospitality of real geiko. You should be able to feel the special charm of geiko culture that you cannot understand just by watching from the outside.
Information
- Schedule: April 26, 2025 - March 28, 2026, 13:00-14:00 (held on designated Saturdays during the period) (excluding July, August, and year-end/New Year holidays)
- Access: Example) From Kanazawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal, take Hokuriku Railway Jokamachi Kanazawa Sightseeing Bus → Get off at Hashiba-cho (Higashi/Kazue-machi Chaya District) or Higashiyama 3-chome → 5-minute walk → Higashi Chaya District
- Admission: General 5,000 yen, University students and under 2,500 yen (preschool children not permitted) Includes tea and sweets
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_26.html
Spots Where You Can Experience Kanazawa's Traditional Gold Leaf Culture
Furthermore, what you should pay attention to in the Higashi Chaya District is the traditional Gold Leaf Culture.
Kanazawa is famous for its gold leaf craftsmanship. The humid climate and abundant water of Kanazawa are ideal for gold leaf production, accounting for nearly 100% of Japan's gold leaf production.
The Higashi Chaya District has several workshops and shops that manufacture gold leaf products. Kinpakuya Sakuda and Hakuichi, which are also introduced in this article, offer exhibitions and sales of traditional crafts and gifts using gold leaf, as well as museums where you can learn about the history of gold leaf culture.
Each shop also features special rooms and facilities decorated with gold leaf, such as golden toilets and golden storehouses.
Workshops where you can actually experience applying gold leaf are also conducted. Through sightseeing, shopping, and hands-on experiences, let's enjoy Kanazawa's proud gold leaf culture.
Experience the Higashi Chaya District More Deeply with Local Guide Tours!
For those who want to enjoy the Higashi Chaya District more deeply, we recommend participating in tours guided by local guides.
In this tour, you'll spend half a day visiting Kanazawa's classic travel spots with a guide. You'll visit Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenroku-en Garden, and the Higashi Chaya District.
In the Higashi Chaya District, which you'll visit in the latter half of the tour, you'll walk through the 200-year-old old townscape with your guide and tour the interior of geisha houses. What I found most appealing was hearing detailed explanations from the guide about geiko culture, history, and traditional items used by geiko.
Since geiko culture is complex and profound, there are many aspects that cannot be understood at first glance. With a guide, exploring the Higashi Chaya District will surely become more interesting and memorable.
- Meeting point: FamilyMart + Drug Comeya Kanazawa Musashi Store, 35-1 Shimozutsumi-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Tour area: Kanazawa Station area
- Start time: 10:00
Three Must-Visit Spots When You Come to Higashi Chaya District
The Higashi Chaya District is an enjoyable area where you can feel the historical culture just by walking around. Here we introduce three spots in the Higashi Chaya District where you can enjoy the profound geiko culture and the charm of exquisite traditional crafts and gold leaf even more deeply.
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall (Kanazawa Geisha and Teahouse District Museum)
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall is a facility where you can comprehensively learn about the teahouse culture of the Higashi Chaya District. It offers "ozashiki experiences" where you can experience geiko hospitality, and exhibitions where you can learn about Kanazawa's geiko and teahouse culture.
At Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall, you can participate in "ozashiki experiences" with English guides if you make advance reservations. You can watch geiko dances in tatami rooms and play traditional games together with them.
The exhibitions are also fascinating, featuring video displays about geiko culture and elaborate diorama displays. I was able to hold an actual shamisen used by geiko and take photos with it, which became a wonderful memory.
The admission fee for viewing the exhibitions is very reasonable at 400 yen. If you learn about geiko culture at Enyukai Hall before sightseeing, you'll surely enjoy the Higashi Chaya District even more.
- Address: 1-1-4 Kannonmachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 0762560908
- Official website: https://kanazawa-asanogawaenyukai.com/
Geisha House Shima
Source:Official website
Geisha House Shima is one of the oldest geisha houses in the historic Higashi Chaya District, built in 1820. Since its construction in the early 19th century, it has remained almost untouched and preserved in its original state. For an admission fee of 500 yen, you can tour the precious interior of this historic building.
Rather than just viewing it from the outside, explore every corner of the tea house interior and experience the glamorous atmosphere of that era. The second floor of the building served as a special room where geiko (geisha) entertained guests with songs and dances.
The space features gorgeous vermillion-painted walls beautifully and elegantly decorated with traditional folding screens, musical instruments, and paintings. It's a space where you can fully savor the atmosphere of the elegant entertainment that people enjoyed 200 years ago.
Don't miss the small, beautiful Japanese garden adorned with traditional lanterns. For an additional fee of a few hundred yen, you can also enjoy tea and traditional sweets while viewing the garden.
- Address: 1-13-21 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
- Regular Holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0762525675
- Official Website: http://www.ochaya-shima.com/shima/shima_f.html
Kinpakuya Sakuda Gold Leaf Shop & Workshop
Source:Official website
Kinpakuya Sakuda Gold Leaf Shop & Workshop is a famous shop specializing in gold leaf crafts. This long-established store with over 100 years of history attracts numerous travelers from both domestic and international locations to experience the charm of gold leaf, Kanazawa's specialty product.
Inside the shop, various types of gold leaf items are displayed and sold, from artistic crafts to everyday accessories. Additionally, you can observe the gold leaf manufacturing process by skilled craftsmen and visit the gold leaf mini-museum.
What I found most interesting was the extremely gorgeous restroom made with gold leaf and platinum leaf. This sparkling restroom, more glamorous than anything I've ever seen, is a must-see.
With reservations, you can also participate in approximately one-hour workshops where you apply gold leaf to lacquerware or chopsticks. Since you can take your creations home, they make perfect souvenirs.
- Address: 1-3-27 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
- Regular Holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0762516777
- Official Website: https://goldleaf-sakuda.jp/
Restaurants Around Higashi Chaya District for Unforgettable Kanazawa Gourmet Experiences
Here we introduce gourmet restaurants near the charming Higashi Chaya District. Enjoy unforgettable cuisine featuring Kanazawa's abundant vegetables and seafood, plus gorgeous gold leaf ice cream that will create lifelong memories.
Tempura Miyashita
Source:Official website
Tempura Miyashita is a tempura specialty restaurant located near the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District. With only 8 counter seats, you can dine while watching the craftsman prepare tempura right before your eyes.
At Tempura Miyashita, you can taste freshly fried tempura made with fresh "Kaga vegetables" harvested in Kanazawa. The "Gensuke daikon," a type of radish often used in Kanazawa oden, is tender and well-absorbed with dashi broth. When you bite into it, the dashi and vegetable sweetness seep out from within the batter, providing an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
The sweet potato grown in Kanazawa, "Goroujima Kintoki," has a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy batter.
The seafood tempura, including Spanish mackerel prepared with a rare level of doneness, is also exquisite. The traditional interior remains very quiet despite being located in a tourist area. If you want to enjoy a relaxing meal near the beautiful Higashi Chaya District, definitely check out Tempura Miyashita.
- Address: 1-2-12 Kannomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 12:00 PM 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM 9:00 PM
- Regular Holiday: Thursdays
- Phone Number: 05052638791
- Official Website: http://tempura-miyasita.com/
AMIYA
Source:Official website
AMIYA is a restaurant located in Higashi Chaya District where you can casually enjoy delicious Kanazawa oden and seafood bowls. Kanazawa oden is a local dish of Kanazawa, made by simmering vegetables and seafood caught in Kanazawa. At AMIYA, you can eat special oden made with broth from nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), a premium fish caught in the Kanazawa area.
What I ordered at AMIYA this time was the "nodoguro mabushi bowl." The fatty nodoguro is seasoned with Noto salt, a specialty of Kanazawa, and grilled. This luxurious dish features plenty of nodoguro, a premium fish, generously served over rice.
I ate the rice and nodoguro as they were, then poured Kanazawa-produced soy sauce over them, and finally poured nodoguro broth over everything. I was able to enjoy three different flavors and felt completely satisfied.
The specialty oden can also be ordered as an additional side dish. Please visit AMIYA to savor the deliciousness of nodoguro and Kanazawa oden, which represent Kanazawa's finest cuisine.
- Address: 1-12-12 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 AM-4:00 PM, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
SundayMonday 11:30 AM-4:00 PM
- Closed: Thursday
- Phone: 05054626110
- Official Website: https://amiya.foodre.jp/
Hakuichi Higashiyama Store
Source:Tabelog
Hakuichi Higashiyama Store is a shop where you can eat soft serve ice cream coated with gold leaf. In Japan, including Kanazawa, gold leaf is mainly used for decorating Japanese cuisine and traditional sweets.
At Hakuichi, which is extremely popular in Higashi Chaya District, you can eat "Kinpaku no Kagayaki Soft Cream" (Golden Radiance Soft Cream), a milk soft serve ice cream that is half-coated with gold leaf. When you purchase it and actually see it, you'll be amazed by the brilliant shine and gorgeousness of the gold leaf. It's extremely photogenic, so please try taking photos from various angles.
When you taste it, the gold leaf part doesn't have much flavor, and it's a sweet, creamy, simple, and delicious milk soft serve ice cream.
Actually eating such large gold leaf was a strange sensation, but it was a very unique and memorable experience. If you want to have an interesting gourmet experience that will stay in your memory, please stop by Hakuichi.
- Address: 1-15-4 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0762530891
- Official Website: https://kanazawa.hakuichi.co.jp/shop/higashiyama.php
You can enjoy Kanazawa's food culture more deeply by having locals guide you to restaurants where you can eat exquisite cuisine!
If you're more interested in Kanazawa's gourmet food and food culture, please join a tour where a guide will take you to recommended restaurants in Kanazawa city.
This tour takes you with a guide at night to local kappo restaurants, oden restaurants, and sake bars. Between shops, you can also stroll through the nighttime samurai residences in Nagamachi.
This tour is a plan where you can enjoy several types of popular dishes from Kanazawa, a treasure trove of delicious gourmet food. At the kappo restaurant in Katamachi, Kanazawa's entertainment district, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine using Kanazawa's abundant ingredients, such as sashimi and grilled fish.
At the second stop, you'll warm your body with the specialty Kanazawa oden, and at the third stop, a sake bar, you'll experience the taste of Kanazawa's local sake. Try comparing different sharp-tasting Japanese sakes, and also taste traditional sweets that make the alcohol even more delicious.
Meeting point: In front of Korinbo Ramoda Building, 2-4-30 Korinbo, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 2F
Tour Area: Kanazawa Station area and surroundings
Start Time: 6:00 PM