Higashi Chayagai (東茶屋街) is the largest and most impressive of Kanazawa’s three historic chaya districts.

It’s a charming, traditional area with stone-paved streets, preserved wooden facades, and teahouses that still reflect the atmosphere of the Edo period.

In the past, this district served as an upscale entertainment area, where geisha would host guests in elegant teahouses, performing music and dance, and engaging in refined conversation. Today you can visit two of these historic teahouses, Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse, which are open to the public and offer a rare glimpse into the world of geisha.

Along the main street, you’ll also find cafés, galleries, and local shops. One standout is Hakuza, known for its gold leaf products - a local specialty of Kanazawa. Inside, there’s even a tea room entirely covered in gold leaf - a unique and striking sight.