Nishi Chaya District: A Glimpse into Kanazawa's Geisha Past
Explore Kanazawa's Nishi Chaya District: A historic geisha district with preserved teahouses, traditional crafts, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Nishi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa's three well-preserved teahouse districts, offers a tranquil escape into the city's geisha past. Established in 1820, it features traditional wooden buildings, some now housing sweet shops and cafes, while others still function as exclusive geiko parlors.
A brief summary to Nishi Chaya District
- 2 Chome-25-18 Nomachi, Kanazawa, 2 Chome Nomachi, Ishikawa, 921-8031, JP
- +8176-232-5555
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon or early evening for a chance to hear the sounds of shamisen music emanating from the teahouses.
- Explore the Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum to learn about the history of the district and its connection to the author Seijiro Shimada.
- Take a stroll through the backstreets behind Nishi Chaya District to discover traditional residential areas and narrow alleys.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Left Loop) and ride for approximately 15 minutes to the Hirokoji bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Nishi Chaya District. The fare for the Kanazawa Loop Bus is a flat rate of 210 yen for adults. Alternatively, a one-day pass for 800 yen allows unlimited rides on the Loop Bus and other local buses.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Kanazawa Station. The ride to Nishi Chaya District takes approximately 15 minutes, and the fare is estimated to be under 1400 yen. The base fare for a small taxi in Kanazawa is 650 yen, with an additional charge of 150 yen for every kilometer.
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Walking
From the Ninja Temple (Myoryuji Temple), the Nishi Chaya District is a short walk away. Head east along the main street, and you'll find the entrance to the district on your right. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.
Discover more about Nishi Chaya District
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dolls Museum
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Ninjabuki Museum
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Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture
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Kaga by Japan Experience
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Shinise Kinenkan Museum
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Kaname Inn Tatemachi
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Naga-machi Buke Yashiki Rest House
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KAMU KANAZAWA
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Sanjikken nagaya
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Northwest Turret Remains
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Kaiseki Pagoda
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Kinjo Reitaku Sacred Well
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Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle
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Hishi Yagura
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Kahoku-mon Gate
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kanazawa Nishi-chaya Museum
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Ninja Weapon Museum
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Myouryuji
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Saigawa-Ōhashi Bridge
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Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall
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Nagamachi District
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Kanazawa Tours
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Nomura-ke Samurai Residence
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Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence
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Takada Family House
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The Fourth High School Memorial Park, Ishikawa
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Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum
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アメリカ楓通り
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21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
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Hirosaka Park
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Essential places to dine
Umi & Tsuchi
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Iwashigumi
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Spice Box
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Akadama Honten
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Genzaemon
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Uchuken Syokudo
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Sushi Ippei
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Grill Otsuka
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Tawara Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
大和百貨店 楽天市場店
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Katamachi Kirara
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80 -HACHIMARU-
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kyu-bei
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原荒物雑貨店
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［JFK］kanazawa
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mou kanazawa
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Animate Kanazawa
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CoCoTTo KANAZAWA
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UNDERCOVER Kanazawa
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sturgis
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Blue Bar（ブルーバー）
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JIGGER BAR St.Louis
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THE HIDEOUT
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Bar Spoon
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Music Bar JealousGuy
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The Londonya Bar
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Orbital bar
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Bar Tobira (Door)
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FURANSU COCKTAIL BAR フランス
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金沢・片町 BAR de JOAO（バードジョアン）
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Kanazawa Music Bar
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漱流
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Bar Quinase
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