There are three well-preserved tea house districts in Kanazawa which have been named Japanese Cultural Assets. The Higashi Chaya District 東茶屋街 is the largest, with most things to entertain the visitor. Traditionally, tea houses were exclusive places where geisha would entertain guests with music, dances, and other amusements. The districts in Kanazawa have been in operation since the Edo Period, and geisha still perform there today.
Higashi Chaya district
The architecture is very unique; two-story buildings have special lattices covering the windows to let in light but prevent outsiders from looking in. The streets are covered with paving blocks and lit with classic lamps, making a visit seem like a trip into the past.
Haku et Chambre(Higashi Chaya District)
A chaya house is characterized with a beautiful lattice called “kimusuko” on the outer side of the first floor and Japanese-style guestrooms called “ozashiki” located on the second floor. When you enter the back streets, you will find a maze of continuous alleys.
Higashi Chaya
The historical rows of this teahouse town along with Kyoto’s Gion and Kanazawa’s Kazue-machi have been designated as Japan’s cultural assets. There are no other chaya districts designated as Japan’s cultural assets.
Higashi Chaya shop with wall covered in gold leaf
Today, many of the buildings have been converted into restaurants and boutiques, though some are still operational tea houses. The Shima Chaya House on the north side of the road is now open to the public as a museum showing what a traditional tea house was like. It costs 400 yen to enter and is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The Kaikano on the south side is still an operating tea house, but opens its doors to the public from 9 am to 5 pm. The admission is 700 yen and includes tea. The Jugatsu-ya 十月亭 is a renovated O-chaya restaurant with a beautiful tatami dining room overlooking a beautiful garden.
Kanazawa City Tourism Association holds a geisha performance show in the three chaya districts of the city every Saturday.
Though the preserved area is not extensive, the Higashi Chaya District is architecturally and culturally interesting. It is a good addition to any itinerary in Kanazawa City in the Ishikawa Prefecture. It can be reached by taking the Kanazwa Loop Bus to the Hashibacho Stop. It is about a 5 minute walk to the district.
Higashi Chaya Map
For more information: http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/guide/guide1_4.php?no=1
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