This guide is for travelers exploring the preserved geisha district. It answers: “What to do in Higashi Chaya District?”
Quick Facts
- Best for: Culture seekers, photographers, tea lovers
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Access: Bus from Kanazawa Station (10 min) or 20-min walk from Kenroku-en
- Admission: District free, individual attractions have fees
Overview
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Higashi Chaya is a beautifully preserved geisha district (chaya means teahouse). Wooden buildings dating from the Edo period line the streets. Some teahouses still operate for entertainment while others are museums or shops.
What to Do
Teahouse Tours
Shima (¥500) – Former geisha house museum with original interiors. Kaikaro (¥750) – Still-operating teahouse open for tours during day.
Gold Leaf
Kanazawa produces 99% of Japans gold leaf. Shops sell gold-leaf crafts, cosmetics, and the famous gold-leaf ice cream.
Atmosphere
Walk the wooden streets, peek into shops, and enjoy the preserved atmosphere. Evening is quieter and more atmospheric.
Tips
- Combine with: Cross the river to visit Kazuemachi, a smaller chaya district.
- Gold leaf ice cream: A Kanazawa specialty. Many shops sell it.
- Geisha: May see geisha in evening if lucky, but rare.
Getting There
From Komatsu Airport (KMQ)
Recommended (Mid-range): Take the Komatsu Airport Limousine Bus directly to Kanazawa Station (West Exit) in approximately 40–60 minutes. This is the most convenient option as it requires no transfers. Budget: Local buses connect the airport to Komatsu Station, where you can take a JR local train to Kanazawa Station, though this route takes longer.
From Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Recommended (Premium): Take the Meitetsu μ-SKY (Mu-Sky) Limited Express (blue and white) to Nagoya Station. From Nagoya, transfer to the JR Limited Express Shirasagi 🟠 to Tsuruga, then switch to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach Kanazawa Station. The total journey takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
From Tokyo Station
Recommended (Premium): Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki or Hakutaka) directly to Kanazawa Station in approximately 2.5 hours. This is the fastest overland route to the region.
Local Access from Kanazawa Station
The Higashi Chaya District is located away from the station area. From the Kanazawa Station East Gate bus terminal, use the following options:
- Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop): Take the Right Loop bus 🟠 to the Hashiba-cho stop (approximately 10–15 minutes).
- Hokutetsu Local Bus: Multiple lines serve the Hashiba-cho stop; check the bus terminal display for the next departure.
- Taxi: A taxi ride from the station takes approximately 10 minutes.
Arrival at Higashi Chaya
From the Hashiba-cho bus stop, the main street of the Higashi Chaya District is approximately a 5-minute walk toward the Asano River. IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO) are accepted on the Kanazawa Loop Bus and most Hokutetsu local buses.
Sources
- Tourism board: Visit Kanazawa
Last updated: 2026-02-03