Strolling Through Kanazawa's Teahouse Streets

Standing at the entrance of the Higashi Chaya district, a street lined with latticed doors stretches into the distance. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and your footsteps on the stone pavement are the only sound. The ochre-latticed buildings preserve Edo-period teahouse architecture, their second-floor bay windows casting shadows onto the street below.

A narrow lane leading to Kazuemachi is called Kuragari-zaka — the "dark slope." Descending the shadowy stone steps, you emerge on the banks of the Asano River. The riverside cherry trees are stunning in spring, but the bare branches of winter offer their own charm, framing the townscape on the opposite bank.

Cross the Asano-gawa Ohashi bridge and walk a little further to reach the Nishi Chaya district. Smaller in scale than its eastern counterpart, the quieter atmosphere makes it an ideal place to wind down. Ending the route at a traditional sweets shop along the street is the perfect finish.