Hotels near Higashi Chaya District

The Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District) is the largest and most atmospheric of Kanazawa’s three preserved geisha quarters, and for many visitors the single best Kanazawa attraction. Established in 1820 by order of the Kaga Domain lord to consolidate the city’s geisha entertainment, the district’s wooden lattice-fronted teahouses (chaya) have been immaculately preserved and designated a Japanese National Cultural Asset. Walking its central lane feels like stepping directly into Edo-period Japan - which is why it is often compared favourably to Kyoto’s Gion, but with a fraction of the crowds.

Two teahouses are open for public visits: Ochaya Shima (a museum preserving the original geisha rooms, red lacquer interior, and instruments, ¥750) and Kaikaro (a still-operating geisha house that opens for public tea service, ¥800). The district is also home to Kanazawa’s gold leaf specialty shops - try the stunning gold leaf tea ceremony room at Hakuza Gold Leaf Store, and yes, the gold leaf ice cream (soft serve coated in 24-carat gold leaf) that has become the symbol of modern Kanazawa food culture.