[2024 Kanazawa Attraction] Travel Guide for Higashi Chaya District (Updated Oct)

Kanazawa Kimono Photo Guide

Kanazawa boasts a history of over 400 years, with its most prosperous period during the Edo era when Toshiie Maeda founded the Kanazawa Castle town. During the war-torn Edo period, the Maeda clan focused on developing various crafts, tea ceremonies, and cultural arts to show their loyalty to the Tokugawa shogunate. This not only enriched Kanazawa with a rich cultural atmosphere and traditional crafts but also helped it avoid the bloodshed of the Edo period. Fortunately, Kanazawa was also spared from bombings during World War II, allowing the city to retain much of its historical charm. In such a historically rich place, wearing traditional Japanese kimono is a must for taking photos at spots like Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, and Kanazawa Castle. The most traditional kimono in Kanazawa is the Kaga Yuzen kimono, known for its vibrant colors and patterns. However, these are quite expensive and may not be suitable for those just looking to experience wearing a kimono. For a more affordable option, basic kimono sets are available for around HKD $200 to $300. There are many kimono rental shops in Kanazawa, but it's essential to book online or via email in advance. When we arrived at our reserved shop, there was already a sign indicating that all reservations for the day were full. Those familiar with Japan know that the Japanese value service and product quality, only offering what they can handle. The recommended kimono rental shop offers kimonos at various price points, allowing you to choose on the spot. On-site, there are over 500 women's kimonos available. Besides same-day returns, you can also pay extra for next-day returns. Kanazawa Kimono Hanaren 🕰️Business Hours: 09:00～18:00 📍Address: 2-4 Kenroku Motomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Exploring Kanazawa’s Geisha District

My first visit to Kanazawa was a delightful adventure, especially when I decided to explore the Geisha District on foot. It was like stepping into a different era, with traditional wooden houses and cobblestone streets. One of the highlights was visiting a former Geisha house, which has been transformed into a museum. As I wandered through its halls, I couldn't help but imagine the elegant dances and enchanting conversations that took place within those walls. The museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Geisha, their elaborate costumes, and their commitment to mastering various arts. After immersing myself in the world of Geisha, I strolled through the district, passing by charming shops showcasing Kanazawa's famous gold leaf craftsmanship. Everywhere I looked, there were dazzling souvenirs and crafts coated in shimmering gold leaf, capturing the essence of this unique city. Exploring the Geisha District on foot was a truly memorable experience. It allowed me to soak in the history, beauty, and craftsmanship of Kanazawa while feeling a sense of connection to its vibrant past. #japan #kanazawa #urbanexplorer #summervacation #tripblazers #awesomepic

Hayuwa/Kanazawa

I was drawn to various street foods and sweets in Higashi Chaya District, but the beautiful exterior of 'Hayuwa' captivated me and I decided to enter 🍃 The name 'Hayuwa' is also lovely 🕊️ It's a two-story building, with the first floor being a different store 💨 Luckily, I got a seat by the window, offering a great view of Higashi Chaya District 🫶 Both the drinks and sweets have a rich matcha menu 🥨🍴🧈 The red bean paste wasn't too sweet and was very delicious, soothing my tired body after the walk 🥺🪽 〒920-0831 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, Higashiyama 1-7-6

Higashi Chaya District/Kanazawa

A classic tourist spot in Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya District🍵 This area is lined with traditional tea houses, preserving the old-fashioned charm and offering an exceptional atmosphere🤍 Since we stayed near the bustling Omicho Market, it was an easy 15-minute walk to the district☺️ There are many attractions such as souvenir shops, restaurants, and shrines, so we ended up needing more time than expected👀✨ There are many foreign tourists and school trip students👀 Some people were strolling around in yukata or kimono, which was very lovely👘 〒920-0831 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, Higashiyama 1-chome

"Enchanting Evening: Discover the Magic of Higashi Chaya District"

Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa transforms into an enchanting scene at night, combining historical ambiance with serene beauty. The district is lined with beautifully preserved wooden teahouses (chaya) that glow warmly under soft lantern light, highlighting the elegance of Edo-period architecture. Lanterns and subtle lighting along the narrow cobblestone streets create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll. The district is generally quieter at night, allowing you to soak in the serene and almost mystical ambiance without the daytime crowds. The blend of softly lit historic buildings and the quietness of the night provides a deep cultural experience, transporting visitors back in time. Higashi Chaya District at night offers a peaceful and enchanting experience, making it a memorable visit.

Higashi Chaya District

#thingstodo A beautiful late evening, pre or post dinner walk is an ideal time. It's quiet not crowded at all. There are many restaurants decked everywhere and there is even a store that carries some very nice ceramic art work from this area. An enchanting place with lots of historical sights. The views are stunning, and it'll take you back in time of the samurai and shogunate era. Lots of traditional goodies to buy and excite your taste buds.

chaya District

#thingstodo Wonderful area to stroll around and get a glimpse of what life was like before modern buildings and construction. Lovely small alleys to walk down close to the river. Very picturesque and lots if photo opportunities. We we were there mid-morning on a weekday and there were not many tourists about.Comfy street to walk down with lots of small tea shops scattered around. Just a few streets away from the most touristy part it's quite calm and relaxing . The food and tea can be quite expensive but it is what to be expected from a tourist attraction such as this one.

Culture-loving friends must not miss Ishikawa.

Culture enthusiasts must not miss Ishikawa @ JNTO, the Japan National Tourism Organization. Here, you can see unique skills such as gold leaf, Kaga Yuzen, and Kutani ware, as well as traditional arts, the Kyogen (madness play), one of Japan's four classical plays, and traditional activities such as the Kaga Kite climbing performance and Kaga Lion Dance. Put on the attire of Japanese classical style, stroll with companions on the "Higashi Chaya District" that has continued from the Edo period to the present. While visiting Japanese traditional culture, you can also taste local specialties, including the luxurious gold leaf ice cream. Ishikawa Prefecture has various delicacies and traditional crafts waiting for you to discover!

The best accompaniment - the three major tea houses in Kanazawa, which are the gold foil ornaments Kanazawa from the Edo era, East Tea House Street is the largest. In ancient times, people used to drink tea to watch performances. Today, the wooden buildings on both sides of the stone road are still row upon row, retaining the prosperous style of the past. It is also known as the only culturally protected building complex in Kyoto. On the sides of the street of more than 100 meters, the storefronts combining traditional and local characteristics such as handicrafts, traditional snacks, and Japanese sake are mostly decorated with gold foil. I made a small mirror in the most famous gold foil shop [Foil One] on this street, and I ate a luxury ice cream. Gold foil is very suitable for urban men and women. In this extremely challenging and handy work, you must put down the impetuous, feel calm and feel the gold foil with your fingers. Every step needs to be careful to ensure the fragile thin gold foil. There will be no breaks. In addition, all the patterns can be combined by themselves. This extravagant and full of pleasing hand is really good.

Like Kyoto, Kanazawa has many Japanese-style streets, and East Chaya Street is one of them. The bus passed through Asano River and went to East Chaya Street. This street was a famous hedonic street in ancient times, and it has produced many famous geisha. This is a bit like Kyoto's Gion, and there are still geisha in it, just a few more quiet. When you walk into Dongchawu Street, you will immediately feel the difference between it and the surrounding area. A street about 100 meters long, both sides are two-story wooden structure buildings, and the outer layer is a row of reddish-brown fine lattice window sills, which will bury the entire street. Strolling here is like being in the Edo period. The sky is dark, and the golden lights show the ancient temperament. Now in these ancient buildings, there are many old kiosks, tea houses and gold foils. Foil one is a gold foil old shop on Dongchawu Street, which specializes in selling gold foil products. The gold foil ice cream launched by his family is super popular, and one is only 891 yen, and it is not awkward to eat two without pressure! The time we went to the foil door was almost 4:30 in the afternoon. An uncle was waiting in line to buy the ice cream. The order was maintained and it was stopped selling. I ran a red face and talked with my uncle. Can I buy one? It is estimated that I am a tourist. It is estimated that I missed it and it is hard to eat anymore. Uncle hesitated or smiled and let me be at the end of the team. The production of gold foil ice cream is very simple. Make an egg cone from the ice cream machine as usual, and then the waiter will use a pair of tweezers to gently cover the surface of the ice cream, and you're done.

In the ancient teahouse east teahouse street like the garden, you can feel the "tea house" style of the Edo period. If it is not this heavy snow, it may not give people such a romantic feeling. The old buildings are row upon row, pedestrians passing by, and occasionally met. Tourists wearing kimonos are more like time and space. Its also very romantic to see the local people and couples who are used to snowing.

It took a lot of time to walk around Miao Li Temple, so I decided to go to Dongwu Tea Street (a hundred years ago in the red light district). Later, I found that it was better to catch up early. When we arrived at around 10:30, wave after wave. When the tour group came in, there was hardly enough time to take a photo. It is recommended to go to Dongwu Tea Street to avoid the crowd early in the morning. Dongwu Tea Street is not big, follow the crowd and finally will go back to the willow tree, there are not many street food and property stores, there are kimono shops around, you can wear to Dongwu Tea Street in the morning. Pat the beat. Transportation: Bus No. 7 at the east exit of Kanazawa Station can go to Higashi-Hakaya Street, and get off at Hashimamachi Opening hours: 10

East Chaya Street is a famous attraction that Kanazawa has continued since the Edo period. There are three Tea House Streets, and East Chaya Street is the largest one. The East Chaya Street, which is not melted by snow, is very much in the Edo period. East Chaya Street was established in 1820 and is now selected as a preserved area for important traditional buildings. The Tea House is a restaurant that specializes in welcoming geisha and dance performances. In the Edo period, tea houses can only be operated in designated entertainment areas, usually outside the city. Tea House Street is also a gorgeous banquet feast at night, so its no fun. The East Tea House Street during the day is very quiet and peaceful. The blue sky is blue and the sun is just right. How can I take a few photos?