Higashi Chaya District

Took the local blue and white JR bus from Kanazawa station. Please note that these buses are made for basically no luggage. Travellers tip: If you are carrying a backpack, carry it at the front. Furthermore, get on from the back of the bus and alight at the front and pay. When boarding, grab a ticket from the ticket dispenser OR tap your IC card. When alighting, drop your ticket into the box at the front with cash payment. If you only have big money (non exact change, the machine at the exit will give you 100 yen coins to make exact payments) - the bus drivers are very helpful. The minimum payment amount is 210 yen. Kanazawa station to Higashi Chaya is only about 4 stops away, so be prepared to hop off when you see a bridge with a river running perpendicular to the bridge. You need to get off BEFORE the bridge. I accidentally missed the stop, but the next stop is not too far anyway, and you can easily walk back. Went to visit Higashi Chaya on a Saturday when it was raining/snowing. Be careful due to snow melting and watery grounds. If you walk along the main strip, there are no cars, but it will be crowded with people. There are lots of small shops, boutique stores, and food places for dining, enjoying tea and desserts. There probably wasn't much of a queue due to the wet weather. A very beautiful place that is natsukashii (nostalgic) in Japanese terms!..even the toilet building is beautiful!

This District is a realz beautiful place in Kanazawa. Definitely come here and stroll through the village. If you want to take part in a tea ceremony it is recommend to make a reservation in advance. This place isn’t too crowded in the morning so I would recommend coming early. The Loop Bus stops directly at the entrance to the district.

The Higashi Chaya district is a lovely, Edo period neighborhood in Kanazawa, Japan. There are beautiful temples, gold leaf stores, a geisha district, -and samurai houses. The building are all old, wooden structures that are well maintained and quaint. You feel like you are stepping back in time. The brick lined streets, vintage street lights and old trees and vegetation adds to the idyllic look of the town. It’s neat as a pin and very picturesque. Well worth a visit and afternoon stroll. We visited the gold leaf shop which was very interesting.

One of the most famous attractions and streets in Kanazawa. Buildings and paths are well preserved and transport you back in time. Lots of shops offering souvenirs and snacks as well as restaurants in the area. There's a ring making shop called Aisorashi, which we particularly enjoyed as well. Went on a Wednesday in the late morning and it wasn't too packed with visitors. Parking readily available along the main road running past the main street. A must visit destination when in Kanazawa.

Not sure what the fuss is about. The old buildings are nice to look at for about 5 minutes. Then you realize that a lot of them are residences, and most of the businesses among them aren’t open. Not worth the trip.