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Higashi Chaya District

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Higashi Chaya District

Stroll through the atmospheric streets where teahouse culture continues, stopping at cafes and stores.

3.39 8

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Supervised by :  Higashi Chaya District

It is one of Kanazawa's representative tourist attractions. The townscape with its beautiful Degoushi (latticed window) and the stone pavement has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government.
It was originally founded in 1820 when Maeda Narinaga, the 12th lord of the Kaga Domain, built a teahouse district by grouping teahouses scattered around the castle town.
Today, traditional buildings from the Edo period still stand side by side. Cafes and stores selling Japanese sweets, traditional crafts, and miscellaneous goods are scattered throughout the town, and visitors can enjoy shopping and dining in the elegant atmosphere of the townscape. At dusk, the eaves of the houses are lit, creating another atmospheric atmosphere. No matter where you cut off the lights, the picturesque scenery continues, making it fun just to take a stroll.

Incidentally, a teahouse is a place where wealthy merchants and men of the town gathered at night in the Edo period to enjoy the entertainment of geisha dancing and shamisen playing. Kanazawa's teahouse culture has a tradition of "no first-time visitors," Even today, except for a few facilities that are open to visitors, no one is allowed to enter without an introduction.

Highlights

  • There are many places to rent kimonos in Kanazawa City, including the Higashi Chaya-machi district. You can also walk around the city in a kimono and enjoy the town's atmosphere.
  • Fashionable cafes and stores line the elegant streets.

Photos

  • The entire teahouse district is a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Photo by: Kanazawa City).

    The entire teahouse district is a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Photo by: Kanazawa City).

  • Dotted with photogenic spots (Photo by: Kanazawa City)

    Dotted with photogenic spots (Photo by: Kanazawa City)

  • The scenery after dark is also emotional (Photo by: Kanazawa City)

    The scenery after dark is also emotional (Photo by: Kanazawa City)

  • Kimonos go well with the emotional atmosphere of the town.

    Kimonos go well with the emotional atmosphere of the town.

  • Lots of picturesque landscapes

    Lots of picturesque landscapes

Reviews

8

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Norton Liang
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    Higashi Chaya District (ひがし茶屋街) is one of the most representative historic and cultural districts in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is also the largest of Kanazawa’s three major teahouse districts.
    Key features and history
    • Historical background: It was established in 1820 (Bunsei 3), when the domain government brought together the teahouses that had been scattered throughout the castle town for centralized management. It has since been designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
    • Architectural style: Two-story wooden machiya townhouses dating back to the Edo period line both sides of the street. The first floors feature finely crafted wooden lattice windows known as kimusuko, while the second floors contain traditional Japanese-style rooms.

  • 蘇自強
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    Almost every traveler visiting Kanazawa comes to the Higashi Chaya District. During the day, this teahouse district lined with traditional Japanese buildings is bustling with people.
    I came here early one winter morning while a light rain was falling. The steady patter of raindrops and the crisp, cold air made the silence stand out even more. The shops on both sides were still closed, and I felt like someone from ancient times wearing the wrong clothes. When I returned to the main road and saw pedestrians and cars, I was back in the real world again.

  • W10B
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    Higashi Chaya District perfectly captures Kanazawa’s ultimate blend of traditional and modern beauty. When we lift the thick shop curtains and step inside, there’s often a whole hidden world waiting. The unique shops around the area are great for taking your time, exploring, and hunting for little treasures.

  • momoe
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    Higashi Chaya District is full of history and culture. Visiting here really let me feel the charm and elegance of traditional Japan.

  • Louis Liu
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    Compared to Kyoto, I actually love everything about Kanazawa even more! 🥰

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Details

Name in Japanese
ひがし茶屋街
Postal Code
920-0831
Address
Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
Telephone
076-232-5555 (Kanazawa City Tourism Association)
Hours
Walk anytime
Directions
Take a city bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at Hashiba-cho and walk 6 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa