Higashi Chaya-gai (East Tea House District)

This is a historical townscape with many traditional townhouses built from the time of the establishment of the teahouse district to the early Meiji period (1868-1912).

The beautifully designed deogoshi (latticework) and cobblestone-paved streets are full of taste, and the area has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government.

Of the approximately 140 buildings in the preservation district, about two-thirds are traditional buildings.

The teahouse district is full of stores selling Japanese sweets, traditional crafts, and sundries, and visitors can enjoy shopping in the elegant townscape.

There are also kappo restaurants and charming machiya (traditional townhouse) cafes where you can enjoy Kanazawa’s typical gourmet food.

Kimono rentals are also available to enjoy walking around town. The combination of the old streets and kimono, with its mature atmosphere lit by eaves lights, is a truly unique attraction of Kanazawa.

Teahouses with a sense of history and style

There is also “Shima,” a teahouse that still retains its Edo period architecture. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and its interior can be toured. Visitors can also see the tea house, musical instruments, and other valuable items from the period, and ponder the stage of history. The Kasuga Lantern and Tsukimi Lantern in the garden are also tasteful, and you can taste green powdered tea at the Kanmura-an.

Kaikanro, the largest teahouse building in Kanazawa, is still open to the public during the day, although “ippkaku ichitei” (one guest, one pavilion) is still given to first-time visitors. Visitors can appreciate the teahouse’s gold leaf woven tatami mats, Wajima lacquer staircase, and Kaga yuzen.

Teahouse Culture Continues from the Edo Period

Higashi Chaya-gai, Nishi Chaya-gai, and Shukkeicho Chaya-gai, stretching across Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, are known as Kanazawa’s three major teahouse districts, and are fascinating places with a rich history and atmosphere.

While Kanazawa Castle was flourishing, many teahouses lined the area around the Saikawa and Asano Rivers in the Edo period, creating a bustling atmosphere. Even today, that atmosphere lives on in the teahouse district.

Chaya-gai is more than a place to drink tea or a tea store. It is a social gathering place for adults where geiko entertain guests with their refined art.

There are currently five teahouses operating in Higashi Chayamachi, and numerous geiko are active there.

However, the tradition of “no first-time visitors” is observed, meaning that no one without a connection to the establishment is allowed to enter the teahouses without a special introduction.

On the other hand, the teahouse buildings “Shima” and “Kaikanro” built in the Edo period can be visited for a fee, allowing visitors to experience Kanazawa’s teahouse culture.

Elegant evenings woven in the teahouse district

In the Higashi Chayamachi district, there are teahouses that have been renovated from former teahouses, but there are also BARs and Izakayas scattered throughout the district where you can casually enjoy a drink.

After enjoying a drink, a stroll through the teahouse district lit by gas lamps creates a romantic atmosphere. Why not enjoy the night in the teahouse district with a little elegance? You will be able to feel the unique charm of Kanazawa.

Many buildings from the Edo period remain in the Higashi Chaya-machi district, and you can feel the style and atmosphere of the area. Renting a kimono and walking along the streets will take you back in time and immerse you in the atmosphere of the past.