Ochaya Art Museum (Designated Cultural Property of Kanazawa City)

Located in the Higashi Chaya District, this museum occupies a building designated as a cultural property by Kanazawa City. The building, constructed in 1820 during the Bunsei era, was originally used as an ochaya (tea house) and now serves as a museum showcasing the tea house culture of Kanazawa from the feudal era.

The first floor is dedicated to art exhibits, featuring Kaga maki-e (lacquerware) and Kaga zogan (inlay work), which are renowned local crafts. Additionally, the museum displays a variety of ornate accessories, such as hairpins adorned with gold, silver, and coral, which were used by geishas, offering a fascinating glimpse into their world.

The second floor consists of an open guest room with walls painted in vibrant vermilion and deep blue hues, creating a stunning visual impact. The room’s design reflects the elegance and delicacy characteristic of tea houses, providing insight into the flourishing town culture of the Edo period. A notable feature in the courtyard is the suikinkutsu (water harp), which produces beautiful sounds as water drips into it.