Kaikaro is a historic chaya or teahouse in the Higashi Chaya-gai district that operates as a working house of geisha entertainment. In the evenings, private banquets and geisha entertainment are by introduction or advance arrangement rather than casual walk-in visits. However, during the day it is open for the general public to come inside and have a glimpse of the traditional refined beauty of the geisha world.
Kaikaro is a popular working teahouse in the Higashi Chaya-gai district
Kaikaro is the largest chaya in Kanazawa and is listed as one of the city’s historical buildings, with over 200 years of history. Outside you can see typical chaya style lattice-work on the windows that lets in the light, but keeps outside eyes from looking in. Inside there are many gorgeous details beginning with a red lacquered stairway “wide enough for a guest and a geisha to walk hand in hand”. In the upper rooms there are beautiful hanging scrolls on display and dramatic ink paintings on sliding doors. Some tatami matted rooms have unusual red checkerboard patterns, and most luxurious of all is the Golden Tea Room.
Lustrous red walls and elegant furnishings on the upper floor
Instead of typical tatami rush mats, the mats of the Golden Tea Room are made of special paper woven with gold. The whole room shines!
Origami cranes of folded gold leaf decorate the floor of the Golden Tea Room
English information pamphlets are available on entry and there are also English explanations posted around the house. Downstairs there is a souvenir shop and Salon de Thé Kaikaro, where visitors can order matcha, seasonal sweets, kudzukiri, coffee, and other drinks. Cafe guests can add a building tour for 440 yen.
An unusual checkerboard pattern of tatami mats
Together with the nearby Ochaya Shima teahouse, Kaikaro is one of two geisha houses in the Higashi Chaya-gai district that are very popular with tourists. However, unlike Ochaya Shima which has been preserved as a museum, Kaikaro operates as a working house of entertainment. Although the general public cannot visit Kaikaro most evenings, there are ticketed events and experiences that anyone can attend. These include Geisha Evenings performances, private plans, special dinner/performance events, and seasonal experiences with geisha song and dance, meals, and traditional party games. To find out more about these events please visit the official Kaikaro website or the Geisha Evenings website.
A striking ink painting on sliding fusuma doors
Access
Kaikaro is located in the Higashi Chaya-gai district. To get to the Higashi Chaya-gai district from Kanazawa Station, take a Kanazawa Loop Bus or Hokutetsu bus from the East Gate / Kenrokuen Gate bus terminal to the Hashiba-cho bus stop. The Kanazawa Loop Bus flat fare is 220 yen for adults. From Hashiba-cho bus stop, the Higashi Chaya-gai area is about a 5 minute walk.
Open: 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry 16.30). Kaikaro is usually closed on Wednesdays, but business days may vary by season or event schedule, so check the official calendar before visiting.
Admission fees:
Adults: 750 yen
Child/student admission: 500 yen
Preschool children: Free
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 01-Jun-2026.
