Orders

Higashi Chaya District

Name: Higashi Chaya District
Address: 1 Chome-13 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831, Japan
Rating: 4.2

4.2 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Historical Landmark・Historical Place・Point Of Interest・Establishment

The Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa is a captivating portal to Japan's cultural past, specifically to the Edo period when the area flourished as a cultural hub. Established in 1820, this district is one of the few remaining "chaya" districts in Japan, where geisha have entertained guests with performances of traditional music and dance for nearly two centuries.

The term "chaya" literally means "tea house," but these establishments are much more than places for tea. They are exclusive venues where guests can enjoy the arts of the geisha, including live performances of song, dance, and classical music, along with elaborate meals and drinks. The district's historical significance is preserved through strict conservation measures that maintain its traditional wooden buildings and their distinctive, lattice-covered facades, which create an atmosphere of discretion and exclusivity.

Walking through the Higashi Chaya District, visitors can admire the beautifully preserved architecture and may even hear the faint sounds of shamisen (a traditional three-stringed instrument) echoing through the streets. Many of these historic teahouses are still operational and open to the public, providing a rare glimpse into the secretive world of the geisha.

Hours:

24/7

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome.

Fees:

No entrance fee

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Website

www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp

The area

Address

1 Chome-13 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831, Japan

Top ways to experience Higashi Chaya District

4hrs

Kanazawa Half-Day Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide

From $195 /person

8hrs

1 Day Trip All Around Kanazawa City

From $400 /person

8hrs

Kanazawa Full-Day Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide

From $360 /person

What other travelers are saying about Higashi Chaya District

Full of foreign tourists. Lots of Americans in groups. Very busy with tourists. Only a few streets. Screened business. High-quality artisan work in some stores. Great ice cream in square.easy to spend 2 hours minimum and lots more if you go into several of shops. Sake, beer, coffee, food, gold leaf, jewellery, food for gifts, etc. Temple mice at one street end. Relaxed area. I imagine at night I might see a Geisha but doubtful during the day. I didn't make a priority and certainly saw no sign of one. It's a high-end Geisha district. I'm sure tourist trade keeps this area alive now. It's worth a visit, but lucky you, if you spot a Geisha.

Redfern Redfern

Apr 19, 2025

A nice place to walk around and see. It doesn’t take too long to explore, and it’s fun to look at the old streets and buildings. We used the bus loop to get there since it’s a bit of a walk from the gardens and the station. Worth a visit if you’re in the area!

reeva soni

May 4, 2025

Alles around the area and it had some very beautiful houses and establishments, but it is smaller than expected. Also quite a distance from the station. Taxi is about 1200 yen (in 2025) one way. The gold leaf on ice was a small fun treat, but don't expect to spent hours in the area, unless you book a tea arrangement

Mark G

Apr 26, 2025

Relaxing place to walk around the river and park. Has shops & food stalls along the way. Didn’t get to watch a geisha performance because I think a reservation is required.

Yu 214

May 15, 2025

Interesting place to visit and walk around, 1 hour is enough time. Higashi Chaya is one of the few remaining geisha districts in Japan, dating back to the 1820s There are lots of traditional houses, narrow streets matcha tea shops. Kanazawa produces over 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, Many shops in Higashi Chaya sell gold-leaf-adorned items: cosmetics, crafts, and even gold leaf soft-serve ice cream.