Kanazawa teahouse district

Kanazawa East teahouse district decorated with Kaga latticework

In 1583, after Maeda Toshiie successfully took control of Kanazawa Castle, the million-koku castle town of Kaga was built up over a period of approximately 300 years through the Meiji Restoration. Kanazawa has a history of three teahouse districts. In 1820, permission was given to establish East and West teahouse districts of the Kaga clan castle town. The East teahouse district, located east of the Asanogawa River, had some 90 teahouses at the time. Considered the most sophisticated tea district in Kanazawa even during the Meiji Period onward, this was a bustling place.

Kimusuko wooden screens were used in teahouse construction from the mid Edo Period to the early Meiji Period, adding an elegant touch to the townscape. These beautiful latticework screens are a central feature on the first floor of buildings. As the sun sets, you may see young geisha making their way along, or hear the sound of shamisen melodies wafting through the air.

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