🗺️ Nishi Chaya Streetにし茶屋街

Nishi Chaya Street is one of the geisha districts officially permitted by the Kaga Domain in 1820. Located on the west side when viewed from Kanazawa Castle, it is named Nishi Chaya Street. Lined with two-story tea houses featuring beautiful Japanese lattice windows, visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll while heading to cafes or shops. This area is the most representative of Kanazawa's charm, known as the "City of Crafts and Folk Arts," and at dusk, one might even encounter elegantly dressed geishas. Standing at the corner of the tea house street is the "Nishi Chaya Museum," a building reconstructed on the former site of the tea house "Jimiro," which is associated with Seijiro Shimada (1899–1930), a bestselling author from the Taisho era. Seijiro was raised here by his mother, who operated a brothel, and his formative years were filled with the comings and goings of adults and young people. It is said that this background nurtured him into a bestselling writer. The first floor displays materials related to Seijiro Shimada, while the second floor showcases gold-leaf folding screens and lacquered decorations, recreating the luxurious interior of a tea house. Additionally, the "Nishi Kenban Office" at one corner of the tea house street features a Western-style appearance that is not seen in other tea house districts, making it quite distinctive. This building, constructed during the Taisho era, has been designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

It is the district with the largest number of geisha in Kanazawa's three tea house streets. Several establishments have transformed early tea houses into Japanese-style fashionable shops and cafes. The Nishi Chaya Museum has volunteer guides who provide free explanations and introductions to the exhibits inside.