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.
Higashi Chaya District | Review by Norton Liang
Other Reviews by Norton Liang
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Byodoin Omotesando
This historic Omotesando (main approach) leads to the main gate of the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple. Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station and immediately across the Uji Bridge from Keihan Uji Station, it is easily accessible from both stations.
The towering, massive stone torii gate is an important entrance to Byodoin Omotesando, which leads to the World Heritage Site Byodoin Temple, as well as Agata Shrine.
Although the torii is enormous and imposing, its subdued gray stone blends seamlessly with the traditional machiya buildings and modern streets, reflecting the unique understated character and tranquility of Uji, Kyoto.* Byodoin Omotesando in Uji: After passing through the torii gate, you enter one of Japan’s well-known streets for fragrant aromas. The street is lined with many long-established tea shops and matcha dessert shops, and as you stroll along, you can smell the rich aromas of roasted tea and sencha.
* Long-established shop by the entrance: The prominent historic wooden building at the lower left of the torii is Surugaya, a long-established wagashi shop. Known for traditional Uji tea sweets, matcha dango (cha-dango), and tea yokan, it is a popular shop where many visitors stop to sample treats or buy souvenirs as soon as they enter Omotesando.
* Nearby landmarks: Following Omotesando leads to Byodoin Temple, a World Heritage Site with more than 1,000 years of history. It was once a villa of the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period and is home to the famous Phoenix Hall. This torii is also the grand torii gate of Agata Shrine, an important local shrine. -
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Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan
The museum is located within the premises of the World Heritage site, Byodoin, famous for its magnificent Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) which recreates the Pure Land of Bliss in this world.
🌲 “Hidden” in nature, blending past and present
Hoshokan was designed by renowned Japanese architect Akira Kuryu. To preserve the rustic scenery and historic atmosphere of the World Heritage Site Byodoin Temple, most of the building is buried underground, while its exterior features a minimalist modern design using exposed concrete, dark steel framing, and expansive glass curtain walls. Amid this ancient historic setting, it presents a refined yet humble contemporary aesthetic.
🌊 Glass curtain walls blending reality and reflection
The expansive, ultra-transparent glass walls seamlessly bring the outdoor dry landscape garden, red maples, greenery, and the changing light of the seasons into the interior. Inside the museum, natural light flows through the canopy, eaves, and corridors and reflects off the glass, creating a visually open space with a remarkable sense of depth.
❤️ A tranquil space for quiet reflection
The semi-outdoor corridors and wooden platforms offer visitors an excellent place to clear their minds. Sitting beneath the eaves and gazing out at the garden and distant mountains, surrounded by the solemn presence of the National Treasure Bodhisattva on Clouds statues and temple bell housed in the museum, naturally washes away distracting thoughts and brings a sense of peace and serenity reminiscent of the Heian-period Pure Land. -
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Itohkyuemon Uji Main Store Tea Room
Itohkyuemon, a long-established tea shop founded in 1832 (Tenpo 3), is located in Uji, one of Japan's leading producers of high-quality tea leaves. While preserving the traditions passed down since its founding, the shop continuously develops new matcha sweets, introducing new values of tea to the world.
Uji is a must-visit for matcha🍵 lovers!
Once you leave Uji Station🚉 and cross the street, this famous shop is the first one you'll see!
It's always crowded.
It's always so hard to choose,
with so many matcha🍵 products and tea leaves you'll want to take home!
It's also worth taking your time and enjoying them in the shop.
The atmosphere of the Japanese garden
is definitely a plus! -
