Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)

We love the location. I think this area would be amazing during spring 😍😍 It’s a 20-30 minute walk from Kanazawa Station. We were mesmerized and in awe of the area, especially near the river. I wish I could see this in spring and autumn. We went early, so most shops are still closed. But we still enjoyed strolling around and met a wonderful local lady ❤️❤️

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.

Walk into old Edo time. The structures are classic Japanese buildings and feels like it will bring you back in time. Clean environment that doesn’t allow smoking on the main pathway. Don’t just visit the main road and think you are done with this tourist spot. Be sure to walk the alley paths and you’ll be surprised on what you can find. We visited a small coffee shop that intended on imitating shops from 1920s. The small staircase and wooden structure was beautiful.

Beautiful district. The geisha museum interesting and something different . Really beautiful around sunset time when the lights start coming on. Can hear occasional music from the rooms. Did not manage to see a geisha

Walking through Higashi Chaya District feels like stepping into the past. This beautifully preserved historic area, with its wooden machiya townhouses and narrow stone-paved streets, captures the elegance of old Kanazawa. The atmosphere is especially magical in the early morning or evening when the crowds thin out, and you can truly appreciate its charm. The district is home to traditional teahouses where geisha performances still take place, as well as charming cafés, sweet shops, and craft stores selling Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf products. Whether you’re sipping matcha in a historic teahouse or trying gold leaf-covered soft serve, there’s a sense of refinement in every experience.

Bustling atmosphere with many visitors. Filled with tourist shops and small cafés. Perfect for capturing stunning photos of traditional wooden teahouses and narrow streets. A vibrant glimpse into Kanazawa’s historic charm.

No geishas seen but not unexpected given the blowing wind, rain, snow, hail and thunder at times during winter. Still a lovely place wander around with many shops to escape the weather in the wettest town in Japan.

The Higashi Chaya district is a lovely, Edo period neighborhood in Kanazawa, Japan. There are beautiful temples, gold leaf stores, a geisha district, -and samurai houses. The building are all old, wooden structures that are well maintained and quaint. You feel like you are stepping back in time. The brick lined streets, vintage street lights and old trees and vegetation adds to the idyllic look of the town. It’s neat as a pin and very picturesque. Well worth a visit and afternoon stroll. We visited the gold leaf shop which was very interesting.