The Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of Japan’s best-preserved and most charming traditional entertainment districts. A “chaya” (茶屋) is a traditional teahouse where guests were entertained by geisha through performances of music, dance, and traditional arts. 

The district is known for its beautifully preserved wooden buildings with latticework, called kimusuko. These traditional structures date back to the Edo period (1603–1868).

One attraction of the Higashi Chaya District is the Shima Geisha House Museum. It was once former geisha house, now turned museum. The Shima Geisha House Museum provides a insight into the lives of geisha and the history of Kanazawa’s entertainment culture. Visitors can see musical instruments, tea-serving utensils, and other historical artifacts.

Another attraction of the Higashi Chaya District is The Kaikaro Teahouse, an teahouse still operating to this day, but is open to the public to visit and get a glimpse of the teahouse experience. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and costs 750JPY. A tea service is included in the entry fee. 

Unlike larger entertainment districts like Kyoto’s Gion, Higashi Chaya feels more intimate and less crowded, providing a serene experience. Its location near Kanazawa’s other attractions, like the Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing.

Kanazawa City also has two other historic Chaya districts. Higashi Chaya District, is located to the east of the city. Nishi Chayagai can be found in the south-west of Kanazawa, and Kazuemachi Chaya District – only a short walk 5 minute walk from Higashi Chaya. Of the three Chaya district, the Higashi District is best preserved and full of life.  

Kanazawa is famous for its gold leaf production, and many shops in Higashi Chaya sell gold-leaf-adorned items, including cosmetics, jewelry, decorative art pieces, and even edible gold leaf. One standout treat is the strange, yet Instagram-worth gold-leaf ice cream. Gold-leaf ice cream typically ranges from 800-1100JPY per cone throughout Kanazawa city, but can be higher or lower depending on the ice-cream used.