Kazuemachi Chaya District

Kazuemachi Chaya District is a teahouse area in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Along the Asano River, old-fashioned restaurants and teahouses built since the Edo period line the streets. You can see the dim stone steps of “Kuragarizaka,” said to have been used by patrons who once came discreetly, as well as the brighter “Akarizaka,” which is popular with tourists. It’s a well-known destination visited throughout the year by travelers from Japan and abroad. At night, the sound of shamisen from somewhere and lantern light in the shadows create an atmosphere reminiscent of scenes from the works of the literary figure Kyoka Izumi. As an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it also features many renovated, modern, stylish shops. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the river; in winter, snow piles up—offering an emotional landscape that lets you feel the seasons. Narrow alleys and latticed facades (senbon-goshi) create scenery you can see only in Kanazawa. Access: take a bus from Kanazawa Station, get off at Hashibacho, then walk about 5 minutes.