Planning a trip to Kanazawa, Japan? This historic city is full of unforgettable experiences, from exploring the Nagamachi Samurai District to strolling through the stunning Kenrokuen Garden. One of Kanazawa’s must-visit areas is the Higashi Chaya Tea District, known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture and rich cultural atmosphere.
But beyond the charm of its traditional streets lies another highlight you won’t want to miss—its incredible food! The Higashi Chaya District is home to some of the best restaurants in Kanazawa, offering everything from local specialties to refined cuisine.
To help you make the most of your visit, the local Kanazawa staff at MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS, put together a guide to the top dining spots in and around this historic neighborhood.
The Higashi Chaya District is one of three historic teahouse neighborhoods in Kanazawa City, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The other two traditional districts are the Nishi Chaya District and the Kazuemachi Chaya District. Known collectively as chaya districts, these areas are home to charming teahouses where skilled geiko (traditional geisha) perform captivating songs and dances for visitors.
The Higashi Chaya District is particularly famous for its stunning machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) adorned with distinctive red bengara latticework, creating an elegant and timeless atmosphere. The picturesque Asano River runs alongside the district, enhancing its serene beauty. Whether you’re admiring the architecture, enjoying a cup of matcha, or simply strolling the quaint streets, exploring the Higashi Chaya District is one of the most relaxing and memorable activities in Kanazawa.
Where to Stay in Kanazawa: Private Japanese-style Machiya Homes – MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN KANAZAWA
The Higashi Chaya District offers an excellent selection of restaurants, where local businesses serve everything from mouthwatering lunches and dinners to sweet treats and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for an exquisite kaiseki course, a classic soba noodle shop, or comforting b-kyu gurume (casual local comfort food), here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy.
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.
This Japanese restaurant specializes in dishes featuring its signature dashi broth (soup stock) and is housed in a renovated 110-year-old machiya (traditional townhouse). The architecture blends classic charm with modern design, featuring white plaster walls, dark wooden panels, and a minimalist aesthetic. The first floor is bright and clean, while the second floor contrasts with its dark, moody ambiance, creating a serene atmosphere.
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 is renowned for its meticulous approach to flavor, particularly its signature dashi broth, brewed with a siphon coffee maker for depth of taste. There are 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.
We recommend the “Shōjin Ryōri Course,” a refined plant-based dining experience featuring dishes like:
For a luxurious culinary experience, the “D Course” is highly recommended. This elevated dashi course features:
Dining at barrier is more than just a meal—it’s a sensory experience! The serene environment will allow you to savor each dish with mindful appreciation during your Kanazawa visit.
| barrier | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome-14-21 Owaricho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0902 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/496Xrz59nnBkgGcB6 |
Make your way to the main street in the Higashi Chaya District and BUSAKU is nearby. It offers exquisite Japanese-French course meals for both lunch and dinner. BUSAKU blends Japanese and French cuisine, using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness.
One of the biggest joys of visiting BUSAKU is the serene atmosphere. It takes you away from the crowds to enjoy a meal in peace, whether solo or with someone special. We recommend BUSAKU for any foodies looking to savor innovative dishes alongside local Kanazawa ingredients, and couples and families looking to celebrate a special occasion!
BUSAKU requires advance bookings, so reserve a table before you arrive to avoid disappointment!
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, indulge in the 10-Course Japanese-French Omakase Kaiseki Menu, priced at 18,000 yen per person (service charge and tax included). This luxurious kaiseki (course-meal) dinner menu is in the omakase-style, carefully crafted daily by the chef, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
Sample Course Menu:
Each dish is a harmonious blend of Japanese and French culinary techniques, designed to highlight the best ingredients of the season. Please note that the specific dishes may vary slightly depending on seasonal availability. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, kindly inform the restaurant in advance.
Dining at BUSAKU is a celebration of artistry and flavor, making it an excellent choice for an upscale and memorable dining experience in Kanazawa. Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance from here to secure your spot!
| BUSAKU | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-chome-5-12 Kannonmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0838 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/wDpmyHMBbFtMySFC9 |
| Book A Table | BUSAKU Reservation Page |
Buemon・Otoyu offers a unique combination of a soba noodle café and bar, making it an unique destination in Kanazawa. From 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, it operates as the soba restaurant Buemon, while from 6:30 PM, it transforms into the bar So-Bar Otoyu. Conveniently located near the heart of the Higashi Chaya District, this hidden gem is tucked away in a narrow alley off the main street, offering a serene and intimate dining experience.
Step through the lattice-style door to enter a spacious interior featuring high ceilings and an open layout. The renovated machiya (traditional Japanese house) seamlessly combines the charm of Higashi Chaya District’s architectural style with a modern and sleek design.
When visiting for lunch, don’t miss the signature Kaga Bōcha Soba with Tempura Set. This dish features sarashina soba with a firm texture and a subtle roasted aroma from Kaga Bōcha (roasted green tea) kneaded into the noodles. (Kanazawa city is especially known for its kaga bocha tea!) For the best flavor experience, try the soba with a pinch of salt before dipping into the sauce.
Another highly recommended dish is the Iwanori Soba “Hanamaki”, made with generous amounts of iwanori seaweed sourced from Oku-Noto (northern area of Ishikawa Prefecture). Its rich, briny flavor evokes the bounty of the Noto Peninsula’s coastal waters, offering a truly local culinary experience.
Given its prime location in the Higashi Chaya District, Buemon is a popular spot for lunch. Be prepared for lines during peak hours around noon, but visiting outside these times ensures a more relaxed experience.
| Buemon・Otoyu | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chome-15-5 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXrJ7cpwEHvwDkDPA |
| Hours | ・Soba Lunch: 11:30 AM ~ 4:00 PM ・Bar: 6:30 PM~ |
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 |
