Travel Plan
Higashi Chaya District

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · KANAZAWA

Higashi Chaya District

Kanazawa's best-preserved geisha district: two streets of wooden teahouses with fine latticed fronts, now home to cafés, gold-leaf shops and a teahouse museum.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Free (teahouses paid)
Best time
Early morning or dusk
Area
Higashiyama

Old geisha teahouses on wooden streets.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Higashiyama 1 Chome, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

  • Bus: Loop bus to Hashiba-cho.
  • On foot: 20 minutes from Kanazawa Station.
  • From Kenrokuen: About 20 minutes on foot.

The story of Higashi Chaya District

The district was created in 1820 for geisha entertainment. Some teahouses still host performances today.

Shima teahouse, a national treasure building, is open to visitors.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Before 9am for empty streets.

Evening

Lanterns glow at dusk.

Tips before you go

  • Try gold-leaf ice cream.
  • Visit Shima teahouse.
  • Try gold-leaf ice cream.

Best hotels near Higashi Chaya District

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Hotels near Kanazawa Station

Transport hub.

See prices

Hotels in Korinbo Kanazawa

Central.

See prices

Hotels near Higashi Chaya District

Old town.

See prices
All hotels near Higashi Chaya District

What's around Higashi Chaya District

  • Kazuemachi riverside5 minutes.
  • Utatsuyama temples10 minutes.
  • Omicho Market15 minutes.

Questions travellers ask

Is it free?

Walking is free.

Can I see geisha?

Sometimes in the evening; never stop or photograph them without permission.

How long do I need?

1–2 hours.

More in Kanazawa

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Higashi Chaya District Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure · Contact us