What to know
A chaya (literally "teahouse") is an exclusive restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha performing song and dance. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), chaya were located in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside city limits. Kanazawa has three well-preserved chaya districts: Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District), and Kazuemachi.
Of the three, the Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋街, Higashi Chayagai) is the largest and by far the most interesting. Two teahouses, Shima and Kaikaro, are open to the public. Other buildings along the main street now house cafes and shops. One shop, Hakuza, sells gold leaf products—a Kanazawa specialty—and displays a tea ceremony room entirely covered in gold leaf.
The Higashi Chaya District is accessible via the Right Loop of the Kanazawa Loop Bus in about 15 minutes from Kanazawa Station. Get off at Hashibacho bus stop, from which the district is a five-minute walk.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from December to February)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Shima Tea House
- Original name
- Higashi Chaya District
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.