The city of Kanazawa is one of the most interesting places to visit on Japan’s coast. It is located in Ishikawa Prefecture and was an important site during the Edo period, being the home to one of the most important feudal families – the Maeda clan. Traditional practices are still performed in this ancient city, such as Chado, the Japanese tea ceremony. That’s why we have listed four of the best places to visit and experience Chado for yourself during your stay in Kanazawa.
1. Gyokusen-en
This amazing garden and teahouse is a favorite among nature lovers who love traditional Japanese gardens, housing over a hundred different plants and different ponds to admire. The Gyokusen-en has survived many dangers during the last hundreds of years, while still maintaining its historic essence, making it one of the oldest tea ceremony houses in Japan. Make sure to make a reservation since it’s a very popular place for tourists to visit.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/SJLu3wtmUwdb1ZZr8
Access: Take local bus from JR Kanazawa Station and get off at Hirosaka bus stop. Walk 5 minutes.
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Irregular
Website: http://www.gyokusen-en.net/
Price:
- ¥3000/person – tea ceremony with Japanese confections
- ¥1500/person – matcha with Japanese confections
- ¥700/person – admission
2. Nomura Samurai House
If what you are looking for is for an experience with historic value, the Nomura Samurai House will provide you with everything you want. Once a house owned by a rich samurai family (Nomura family) who served the feudal lords of the area, it has been carefully restored and is now owned by the city to provide us with a glimpse of the lifestyle of that era. It is filled with valuable antique pieces and has a beautiful garden to relax in following your enjoyment of green tea and traditional Japanese confections (wagashi). Note that this experience is not a formal tea ceremony experience, but rather an opportunity to enjoy matcha in a traditional tea ceremony room setting.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/NjXcxFLm2s1EGUQT7
Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus, get off at Korinbo bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
Hours: 8:30-17:30 (Until 16:30 from Oct. to Mar.)
Closed: Jan, 1-2, Dec. 26-27
Website: http://www.nomurake.com/
Price:
- ¥550/person – admission
- 300/person – matcha with Japanese confections
3. Ochaya Shima
An authentic geisha tea experience is what Ochaya Shima offers to all its guests. This teahouse is officially recognized as a cultural heritage landmark due to its historic importance. Not only will you enjoy an exquisite matcha tea, but you can also enjoy traditional Japanese entertainment performed by talented geishas, such as dancing and music. Please note that while you are able to enjoy matcha while watching entertainment provided by geishas here, this experience does not include a formal tea ceremony,
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/C9PjfgC2qEy7JuVt5
Access: Take local bus from JR Kanazawa Station and get off at Hashibacho bus stop. Walk 6 minutes.
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Until 17:00 from Dec. to Feb.)
Closed: None
Website: http://ochaya-shima.com/english
Price:
- ¥700/person – matcha with fresh Japanese confections
- ¥500/person – matcha with dry Japanese confections
- ¥500/person – admission
4. Shigure-tei Tea House
Garden after garden is what you will find surrounding this tea house. It is located in the heart of Kenroku-en, a famous garden to stroll about for both tourists and locals. Depending on your preference you can sit outside and admire the natural beauty of the variety of trees and ponds, or sit in one of the tatami rooms inside. Please note that this is not a formal tea ceremony experience, but rather an opportunity to enjoy matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) in a traditional Japanese tea house.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6dTg22bMz8u6jH7h9
Access: Inside Kenroku-en Garden
Hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed: Dec. 29 – Jan. 3
Website: http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/siguretei.html
Price:
- ¥720/person – matcha with Shiguretei’s original Japanese confection
- ¥310/person – matcha with Japanese confection
- ¥310/person – Kenroku-en Garden admission
Hopefully this guide will help you during your next visit to Kanazawa, so you can have a deep experience in this traditional city that has so much history. Peek into its past while enjoying a cup of green tea.
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