🗺️ Ochaya Art Museum (Designated Cultural Property of Kanazawa City)お茶屋美術館（金沢市指定文化財）

The Ocha-ya Museum, located in "Higashi Chaya District," is designated as a cultural property by Kanazawa City. It now serves as a museum introducing the Ocha-ya culture of Kanazawa during the feudal era, open for public visits. The building was constructed in the 3rd year of the Bunsei era (1820) and retains the appearance of an Ocha-ya from that time. The first floor features an art exhibition room displaying Kaga crafts used in tea houses, including various exhibits such as Kaga maki-e (decorative lacquer) and Kaga zōgan (inlay work). Additionally, it showcases decorative items used by geishas, such as luxurious hairpins adorned with gold, silver, and coral, which are worth seeing. The second floor has an open guest room, with walls decorated in ochre and vibrant ultramarine tatami spaces, creating a stunning beauty. The unique and exquisite design characteristic of Ocha-ya can be seen everywhere, offering a glimpse into the splendor of Edo period merchant culture. The courtyard also features a suikinkutsu (water harp) that produces beautiful sounds of dripping water, which is another highlight.

In the building that was once used as a teahouse, you can learn about Kanazawa's tea culture. It showcases many luxurious and splendid Kaga crafts and decorations. The guest rooms on the second floor are filled with the unique elegance and exquisite design characteristic of teahouses.