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Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa
ひがし茶屋街 · Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Edo's geisha district across the Asano River: latticed teahouses, stone paving and a thin layer of gold leaf.
Know before you go
- Teahouses still in business are private, so don't walk in or photograph geisha without permission
- don't stop and block the middle of the narrow lanes
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Higashi Chaya district, across the Asano River, preserves many Edo-period geisha teahouses. Kanazawa is also the city of gold leaf: 99% of Japan's high-quality gold leaf is made here — the gold leaf on Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji comes from Kanazawa — and locals even sprinkle it on food.
Local customs
- Some teahouses are open to visitors
- many shops on the street sell gold-leaf crafts and let you try applying gold leaf
Religion & beliefs
No religious affiliation.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Teahouses still in business are private, so don't walk in or photograph geisha without permission
- don't stop and block the middle of the narrow lanes
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who come early or late in the day and quietly soak up the old-street atmosphere.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Early morning or evening |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
Travel tips
- It's about 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station
- before 9 a.m. it's quiet and good for photos
- walk on to the Asano riverside and the Kazue-machi teahouse district
Photos
Photos
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Andrea Schaffer · CC BY 2.0
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Andrea Schaffer · CC BY 2.0
Sources & verification notes
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