Nishi Chaya District

Overview

Nishi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's three major Chaya (tea house) districts, established alongside Higashi Chaya District with the permission of Maeda Narinao, the 12th lord of the Kaga Domain. Even today, it's filled with traditional restaurants and geisha houses, offering a unique glimpse into the atmosphere of the feudal period. Nishi Chaya District boasts the largest number of geishas among Kanazawa's Chaya districts. Interestingly, it was also where novelist Shimada Seijirou spent his childhood. While smaller than Higashi Chaya District and Kazuemachi Chaya District, Nishi Chaya District features beautiful two-story tea houses with striking 'de-koshi' (lattice windows), preserving the charm of the era. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a geisha in full regalia. In the evening, the lanterns create an even more enchanting and magical atmosphere. Nishi Chaya District also houses the Kanazawa City Nishi Chaya Museum, where volunteer guides offer free tours of a recreated tea room. You'll also find shops and cafes housed in renovated, modern-yet-traditional former tea houses. Explore the district and immerse yourself in Kanazawa's traditional culture. The area surrounding Nishi Chaya District also features unique cafes in repurposed temples and tea houses – the perfect place to relax and unwind.