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Area & Points of Interest · Ishikawa · Chubu

Higashi Chaya District

ひがし茶屋街

The most prominent geisha district in Kanazawa, known for traditional architecture featuring lattice work and a 200-year-old geisha house now open to visitors.

Streets of Higashi Chaya District
Streets of Higashi Chaya District © Kanazawa City
Admission
Everyone Free
Access
1, Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
〒 920-0831
How to get there
Nearest stationKanazawa Station
金沢
Hokuriku Shinkansen · IR Ishikawa Railway Line29 min walk from the station
Nearest bus stop橋場町(ひがし・主計町茶屋街)3 min walk from the bus stop

Of the three geisha districts in Kanazawa City, the Higashi Chaya district is the most prominent and well-known.The geisha houses in Higashi Chaya are known for their stunning traditional architecture, which features the beautiful lattice work on the exterior of the first floor called "kimusuko" and Japanese-style guestrooms on the second floor. During the Edo period, the construction of two-story buildings, with the exception of geisha houses, was not permitted, making them stand out even more. The district offers visitors the opportunity to view the interior of a geisha house that dates back almost 200 years, and many of the old buildings have been renovated and repurposed as restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

The Kanazawa City Tourism Association organizes geisha performances in the three geisha districts of the city on certain Saturdays, so ensure to schedule your visit accordingly.

Traditional architecture

Tea houses

Geisha performance

Shops selling gold-leaf crafts

Getting There

Map: Getting to Higashi Chaya District. Legend: Hokuriku Shinkansen. Labelled stations: Fukui, Kagaonsen, Komatsu, Kanazawa.

Planning a trip? Fit this into a trip and Oni plans the rest around it.

At Hey Japan!, we strive to keep the places listed on our website as current as possible. However, location owners or management may alter opening times or modify admission requirements without prior notice. Check official websites before visiting.

Nearby

Places nearby

Area & Points of Interest

Kazuemachi Chaya District

Geisha district in Kanazawa preserving traditional chaya houses and restaurants along the riverside, designated a cultural asset in 2008.

Kanazawa · Ishikawa
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Utasu Jinja Shrine

Kanazawa shrine founded over 1,250 years ago for Hachiman and Bishamon, honouring Maeda Toshiie, and counted among the city's five great shrines.

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Kanazawa Castle

Built in 1580 and ruled by the Maeda clan for 14 generations, this castle's reconstructed structures reflect its appearance in the 1850s.

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