Hotels near Kazuemachi Chaya District

While Higashi Chaya gets the crowds, Kazuemachi - just across the Asano River - is the geisha district that Kanazawa’s locals consider the most beautiful. Smaller and more intimate than Higashi Chaya, its single main street runs along the bank of the Asano River, lined with Edo-period wooden teahouses that are illuminated by traditional stone lanterns and paper lanterns in the evening. In spring, it is flanked by one of Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom tunnels.

Kazuemachi is one of the few districts in Japan where the geisha tradition still operates authentically. In the evenings, shamisen music drifts from behind closed wooden shutters, and geiko walk in full dress between their engagements. A visit here at dusk in cherry blossom season is one of the most memorable experiences in all Japanese travel.