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Historic Site · Ishikawa · Chubu

Nishi Chaya District

にし茶屋街

Historic geisha district in Kanazawa with traditional wooden teahouses where shamisen performances evoke an authentic atmosphere each evening.

Streets of Nishi Chaya District
Streets of Nishi Chaya District © Kanazawa City
Access
2-25-18, Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
〒 921-8031
How to get there
Nearest stationNomachi Station
野町
Hokuriku Railroad Ishikawa Line8 min walk from the station
Nearest bus stopにし茶屋街1 min walk from the bus stop

In the past, the central area of Kanazawa was dotted with many geisha houses. However, in 1820, these were relocated to three specific districts outside the city center. One of these districts is the Nishi Chaya District which is located 500 meters from the Saigawa Ohashi Bridge in the central part of the city. A Chaya is a traditional place for feasts and entertainment. Visitors can find a number of two-story wooden Chaya houses along the main street. At dusk, you may hear the sound of the shamisen, a three-stringed musical instrument, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Kanazawa Chaya district. The Kanazawa Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum is a replica of a Chaya house that allows visitors to see the guest room of the Chaya house.

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.

Tea houses

Traditional architecture

Geisha performances

Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum

Getting There

Map: Getting to Nishi Chaya District. Legend: Hokuriku Railroad Ishikawa Line; Hokuriku Shinkansen; IR Ishikawa Railway Line. Labelled stations: Kanazawa, Fukui, Kagaonsen, Komatsu, Tsurugi, Daishoji, Nomachi, Nishi-Kanazawa.

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Nearby

Places nearby

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Kanazawa City Hall

Kanazawa City Hall blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design across two buildings serving this UNESCO Creative City of 460,000 residents.

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Gyokusen'inmaru Garden

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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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