Higashi Chaya District

Visited Kanazawa & stayed at ANA Crowne Plaza for 3D2N. This hotel was so near to the bus station, train station & all malls & food eateries! So travelling around Kanazawa was made easy by getting a map as well as a transport day pass per person. The tourist info centre here rendered all the assistance we needed, so try to get everything there. We followed the map & their recommendations. We arrived by their route bus to Higashi Chaya district. No queue. No entrance fees. Not too crowded as it was a pretty, nicely spread out district. However, it would be very much nicer if you could visit it in the late afternoon to night as the lightings were more beautiful. Pleasant slow walk, for about an hour & a half. There were tourists getting snacks & ice cream in different parts of the districts. Small cafes & eateries spread around here. We were not hungry after our heavy breakfast so we were gamed for a walk only. It was rows & rows of old houses, still liveable & well maintained. Fresh air & clean environment. Saw a wedding possession in a Japanese shrine I would deem it special. Quite a private one & a priest was holding the ceremony for the couple. At all the bus-stops, the directional signs were clear. Route buses always had passengers we could ask for help, but we usually looked at maps, listened to the announcements made in buses, or followed the crowds to alight. Besides, there were plenty of taxis around too. No one could get lost here. Do visit if you have the time.

Higashi Chaya District (ひがし茶屋街) is a beautiful and atmospheric place to visit in Kanazawa. The preserved wooden teahouses and traditional streets really make you feel like you’ve stepped back into old Japan. It’s especially lovely in the morning or late afternoon when it’s less crowded and the light is perfect for photos. There are many small cafes, souvenir shops, gold-leaf desserts, and traditional sweets to try. Even just walking around and soaking in the calm, historic vibe is worth it. It’s clean, well maintained, and very walkable. Highly recommended if you enjoy history, culture, photography, or just a relaxing stroll in a traditional setting.

We visited this place on a Saturday evening, and the overall atmosphere was absolutely amazing. The moment we arrived, we were welcomed by a lively, energetic vibe that instantly lifted our mood. The area was bustling with people, yet it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it added to the charm and made the experience even more enjoyable. One of the best things about this spot is the sheer variety of shops and restaurants available. Whether you’re looking for trendy boutiques, local specialty stores, or popular brands, you’ll find plenty of options to explore. The restaurants are especially impressive—there’s something for everyone, from casual street food to more refined dining experiences. The aromas coming from the food stalls and restaurants filled the entire street, making it hard to resist stopping every few minutes to try something new. The ambiance is perfect for both groups and couples. With bright lights, and cheerful crowds, it feels like a place where you can easily spend several hours without realizing how time passes. We took our time walking around, trying different snacks, and soaking in the atmosphere. Overall, it’s a fantastic destination if you want to enjoy a vibrant evening filled with good food, great shopping, and a lively crowd. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a fun and memorable night out.

The main street is a bit touristy but the neighbourhood is quite lovely and colourful, I much preferred coming here than to Nagamachi Samurai District. You’ll see many people wearing kimono (mostly for picture taking), and it’s quite fun. Many shops and cafés, and there’s one place that offers workshops about gold leafing but you have to book that in advance. A visit here, with stops to take some pictures, will take 20-30 minutes if you don’t stop to eat/drink. Not much to see if you’re walking from the castle or train station on your way, though.

Its a good place to experience the golden era of Japan. Would recommend to visit this place post 4 pm for quiter and less crowded experience. Just stroll through the lanes, and you feel as though you have travelled back in time. If you have JR west pass, Kanazawa JR loop bus is included which makes it convenient to reach this place. Most of the restaurants here are on advance reservation basis only.

Quieter than most touristy places. Not much to do, just enjoying the views of a traditional Geisha town. Be mindful of where you can and can not enter, not every door is a shop or restaurant.

A charming and traditional small village. It was quite a walk from Kenrokuen Gardens - less than 20 minutes. The weather was cold and it was a perfect walk. When we arrived though, it was already dark so we didn't get the chance to roam around the area. But we saw the popular image on Google. It was a good side trip, especially if you will walk on a cold weather 💜🇯🇵

This place was so nice! It was cute and charming and it even smelled good (it smelled like old wood). It has many shops and restaurants, and you can actually go inside some of the buildings to see how the interior of a home in the area used to be and learn a bit about the local history. It is very popular with tourists, but even with the crowds, it is still very much worth it.