Photo spot in Kanazawa

Higashi Chaya district

Lanes of wooden teahouses with fine lattice fronts, stone paving and gold-leaf shops — Kanazawa's old geisha quarter.

About Higashi Chaya district

Higashi Chaya is the best preserved of Kanazawa's old teahouse districts: a few short lanes of two-storey wooden houses with fine lattice fronts, stone paving and the hills behind. Some teahouses still host geiko in the evenings, while others are cafés and shops selling the gold leaf the city is known for.

The main lane is the classic frame, with its rhythm of lattices running away to the hills; the side lanes and the riverside along the Asano give quieter variations. It suits kimono beautifully.

By late morning the main lane is busy. Early morning, before the shops open, is calm, and the lamps make the evening soft. It is a living district — keep doorways clear and never photograph geiko without consent.

Best time to shoot

Early morning before the shops open, or the evening when the lamps come on

Tips

Shoot the main lane early, then move to the side lanes and the river as it fills. Never photograph geiko without consent.

Recent work in Kanazawa

Portfolio shots by photographers covering this area

Photographers who shoot at Higashi Chaya district

Hand-picked professionals working in Kanazawa

Founding

Scott T

Active today

Natural, timeless photography in the heart of Kanazawa

I speak English+ French

Usually responds within a few hours

5.0(20)

Kanazawa

From $404Book

Founding

Shiina A

Real reviews from Kanazawa photoshoots

李小豪

Our cherry blossom photoshoot in Kanazawa was an absolutely perfect experience. Scott is extremely professional: right from our first discussions, he gave us precise advice on lighting and the color tones of our outfits. It rained earlier…

Scott T.

Photographer

Christian D.

We had an amazing experience with Scott and couldn't be happier with the photos we received. From the very beginning, he made us feel comfortable and relaxed, which was especially important because this was our first professional photo…

Scott T.

Photographer

Other spots in Kanazawa

Kenroku-en Garden

One of Japan's three great gardens — ponds, mossy hills, a two-legged stone lantern and, in winter, pines held up by ropes against the snow.

Nagamachi samurai district

Narrow lanes of earthen walls and old gates beside a small canal, where samurai families once lived — wrapped in straw mats against the winter snow.

Ready to book?

Our concierge team will hand-pick 2-3 photographers who know Higashi Chaya district — free of charge.