Are you planning a trip to Kanazawa, Japan? Kanazawa is a city steeped in history, boasting some incredible locations (including the Nagamachi Samurai District and the Kenrokuen Garden).
But the Higashi Chaya Tea District is one of the most outstanding areas to visit in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan — especially if you’re looking for a bite to eat!
Need a little inspiration to help you navigate the mouthwatering range of eateries offering fine Kanazawa food? Our local experts have picked five of the best restaurants in Kanazawa, located in and around the Higashi Chaya District, to help you find the right spot for your tastes!
But first, let’s take a closer look at Higashi Chaya District and its immense charm.
A chaya (“teahouse”) is a restaurant featuring talented geisha who perform songs and dances for diners.
The Higashi Chaya District is one of three chaya districts in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, and the biggest. This amazing area has a rich atmosphere, and wandering the Higashi Chaya District is one of the most relaxing things to do in Kanazawa.
For more information: Higashi Chaya Tea District
Higashi Chaya District is home to a great range of restaurants, with local businesses serving delicious lunches, dinners, sweet treats, and drinks. Here are a few of our favorites to enjoy during your Kanazawa travels!
See our recommended accommodations in Kanazawa: MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN KANAZAWA
barrier is located across the Asano River from the Higashi Chaya District, so it’s easy to reach if it appeals to you. And it’s definitely worth seeing when you want to eat Kanazawa food at a place with a real wow factor.
Primarily, barrier has one of the most distinctive decors in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. The first and second floors look completely different, with a truly spectacular contrast that has to be seen to fully grasp its aesthetic power.
The first floor is Painted in stark white, with bright lighting and a clean, minimalist style. But when you venture upstairs to the second floor, you’ll find yourself in a dark space with black coloring and low lighting.
Now that we’ve covered barrier’s style, let’s move onto its entire purpose — the food! As one of the best restaurants in Kanazawa, barrier has a fantastic menu. But it’s best known for its special soup stock, which is made with a siphon.
barrier offers a choice of five courses: A, B, C, D, and the Vegetarian Cuisine Course. You can also enjoy alcoholic drinks while dining or get takeout-only food if you want to eat later.
| barrier | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome-14-21 Owaricho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0902 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/496Xrz59nnBkgGcB6 |
Buemon・Otoyu is right in the center of the Higashi Chaya Tea District, and it’s a popular spot. So popular, in fact, that you might need to get in line and wait for a table if you arrive at lunch time. It’s generally best if you plan your visit outside the busiest hours instead.
As it was renovated from a beautiful old house, Buemon・Otoyu has a homely feel that’s true to the architecture of the Higashi Chaya District while still having a modern style.
Buemon・Otoyu is a soba restaurant until 4pm and a bar from 6.30pm. You can take your pick from a great set of dishes, including the “Kaga Bocha Soba and Tempura Assortment”. This features Kaga Bocha soba and tempura, providing a wonderful combination of flavors.
| Buemon・Otoyu | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chome-15-5 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXrJ7cpwEHvwDkDPA |
Explore the Higashi Chaya Tea District’s main street and you’ll find Jiyuken. Amazingly, this popular eatery was founded in 1909, so it must be good to stand the test of time for so long.
Much of the menu focuses on Western food, and has a daily set menu that changes every two days (though it’s closed on Tuesdays). For example, on a Wednesday and Thursday, the set menu may be Chicken Piccata and Minced Cutlet. But you’ll get something totally different if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
Restaurant Jiyuken’s decor is warm and cozy, ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner while you discover the delights of the Higashi Chaya Tea District.
| Jiyuken | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chome-6-6 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/eHQJhKreCTgsPAf59 |
The Higashi Chaya District is home to a remarkable French restaurant: the Higashiyama Robert Dumas, located in a renovated traditional teahouse. It has a welcoming design with a large open counter, and you can watch the chefs prepare your food while you wait. All dishes use local ingredients, and meals consist of multiple courses.
Higashiyama Robert Dumas is one of the best restaurants in Kanazawa for fans of both French and Japanese cuisine. We recommend the option with the most beautiful name: the “Special Course Featuring the Blessings of the Mountains and Seas of Hokuriku”. This features the restaurant’s recommended courses, from the “Les amuse” and “Les entree” to “Les desserts”.
| Higashiyama Robert Dumas | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chome-13-9 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/AsWpgGrXrsAcNYi87 |
Make your way to the main street in the Higashi Chaya District and BUSAKU is nearby. It offers exquisite Japanese-French course meals, and we recommend the lunch course. BUSAKU blends Japanese and French food wonderfully, using seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness.
One of the biggest joys of visiting BUSAKU in Kanazawa, Japan, is the almost serene atmosphere. It takes you away from the crowds to enjoy a meal in peace, whether solo or with someone special. That’s why we recommend BUSAKU for couples looking to celebrate an anniversary or other special occasion in a calm space with terrific Kanazawa food.
Japan Travel Tip: BUSAKU requires advance bookings, so reserve a table before you arrive to avoid disappointment.
| BUSAKU | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-chome-5-12 Kannonmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0838 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/wDpmyHMBbFtMySFC9 |
