1
kazu nakashima

Fruit daifuku (rice cake stuffed with whole fruits) is a specialty

This sweet shop is owned by "Nakajima," a Japanese sweets store established in 1881. The fourth-generation owner opened the store in 2016, offering a new style of Japanese confectionery. One of the most popular items is "Fruits Daifuku," made with whole seasonal fruits. In addition to the "Mikan Daifuku," which is 10 cm in diameter, there are always three to four varieties of Daifuku made with strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and other seasonal fruits. The natural sweetness of the fruit can be enjoyed because the sweetness of the white bean paste is changed depending on the fruit. The freshness that fills your mouth is another secret to the delicious taste.

Local Guide
Supporters

The fruit for Daifuku changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy a new flavor every time you visit. The balance of fresh fruit and white bean paste is perfect!

A relaxing space in a renovated Edo period warehouse

At the tables in the cafe, you can watch female Staff/staff members in kimonos making matcha (powdered green tea), which is very tasteful. In the back of the store, there is a room converted from an Edo-era storehouse with antique chairs and sofas, creating a cozy atmosphere. At the cafe, you will be thrilled by the fourth generation's playful Japanese sweets such as Daifuku, a daily-changing japanese sweet, and a luxurious green tea parfait. The jogashi that go well with local sake are also popular, with white bean paste kneaded with mascarpone cheese and flavored with black pepper and sansho (Japanese pepper) for a mature taste. This is a place where you can enjoy Japanese sweets in a new way.

kazu nakashima

• 1-7-6 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• From JR Kanazawa Station East Exit, take the Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise route) around Kanazawa Castle Town. 10 minutes by bus, alight at Hashiba-cho and walk about 5 minutes.
• 10:00-18:00
• Thursdays
• 076-252-5280
• None

2
kureha

Hospitality with carefully selected Japanese sweets and powdered green tea.

Although located on the main street of "Higashi Chaya-gai," the teahouse "Kurenha" has the atmosphere of a hideout. It is one of the few places in Kanazawa where you can enjoy Kami-gashi (fresh confections) from Kanazawa's Japanese confectionery store "Yoshi Hashi," which is well-known at famous ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) and tea ceremonies. The menu is rich in variety and the matcha is authentic, using products from a long-established teahouse in Kyoto. The "matcha dango" and "matcha soft serve ice cream," which are made from a unique blend of matcha, are particularly popular for their deep, bitter flavor. In addition to sweet dishes, hot sandwiches and udon noodles are also available, making them perfect for a light lunch.

Kimono rentals are also popular as the restaurant is directly managed by a kimono store

The main store of Kurenha was established in 1776 by the long-established kimono store "Eritora. The store is therefore decorated with dyed paintings by Yusui Toku II, a popular Kaga yuzen artist, and has a store selling Japanese accessories on the first floor. While the first floor has a casual atmosphere, the second floor has tatami room seating that retains the atmosphere of a good old machiya (townhouse). The view overlooking the teahouse district is also attractive. The store also offers Kaga yuzen rental and dressing services, so taking a stroll through the teahouse district in kimono and taking a break at the teahouse is a chic way to enjoy yourself.

Local Guide
Supporters

The upstairs sitting room is a very cozy space. You can enjoy tea and elegant Kamigami sweets while gazing at the cityscape.

Kureha

• 1-24-3 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa MAP
• From JR Kanazawa Station East Exit, take the Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise route) around Kanazawa Castle Town. 10 minutes by bus, alight at Hashiba-cho and walk about 5 minutes.
• 10:00-17:00, summer season-18:00
• Closed on Wednesdays from December to February (open if the Wednesday is a national holiday)
• 076-253-9080
• None

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Japanese Chestnut “Shiratsuyu”

A luxurious Mont Blanc made with 100% Noto chestnuts

Tucked away at the back of Higashi Chaya-gai, this café specializing in Japanese chestnuts is renowned for its special Mont Blanc dessert, the “Harizuri.” It uses 100% “Noto chestnuts,” which have been aged at low temperatures to bring out their natural sweetness.Because the roasted and pureed chestnuts have a high natural sugar content, the amount of added sugar is kept to a minimum. By omitting sponge cake and instead using meringue, simmered chestnuts in their skins, and a light, fluffy chestnut cream, you can fully enjoy the authentic flavor of the chestnuts.
Furthermore, to highlight the chestnut flavor, the paste is piped into thin strips—a technique designed to maximize the rich flavor and refined sweetness of the Noto chestnuts. The shop’s commitment to this craft is evident in its decision not to play background music, reflecting the desire for customers to fully appreciate even the sound of the chestnuts being piped right before their eyes.

Spreading the appeal of Noto chestnuts—grown from cultivation onward—across the nation

The owner, a native of Noto, discovered these special Noto chestnuts—the result of the growers’ meticulous dedication—and opened this shop in 2020 with the goal of sharing their charm with as many people as possible. Having taken over some chestnut orchards from growers affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the shop handles everything from cultivation to processing and serving, ensuring the authentic flavor of Noto chestnuts is preserved.     

In addition to Mont Blanc, you can enjoy specialty sweets unique to a shop dedicated to Japanese chestnuts, such as pound cake made with a whole Noto chestnut simmered in its own skin, and a Mont Blanc parfait lavishly paired with seasonal fruits.

Local Guide
Supporters

The finishing touches—piping the chestnut cream and dusting it with powdered sugar—are performed right in front of the customers. The presentation begins with the staff announcing, “We’ll start piping now. Please feel free to take photos,” which naturally builds anticipation. Since seating is limited, we recommend making a reservation in advance via our website.

Japanese Chestnut Hakuro

• 3-1-16 Kannon-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• 10 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
• Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Hashiba-cho,” and walk about 7 minutes
• 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last Order: 4:30 PM)
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• No parking *Pay parking is available nearby.

4
sabo soshin

An adult café specializing in coffee loved by locals

This café is always mentioned when talking about good coffee in the Higashi Chaya-gai area. The coffee is carefully brewed by hand drip using beans roasted by a long-established coffee shop in Kanazawa. The "Soshin Blend" is available in shallow roast or deep roast, and the iced coffee is made with water. The sweets to be enjoyed with coffee range from Japanese and Western sweets to anmitsu (sweet bean paste), cakes, and parfaits. In summer, shaved ice with homemade syrup and red bean paste is also available.

Local Guide
Supporters

The "Soshin Blend" has a strong flavor and aroma with little acidity. It is recommended for a break during a stroll.

Relaxing coffee time in a teahouse-style store

In 2005, the store was the first newly built store in Higashi Chaya-gai. The two-story building, which incorporates teahouse architecture, has blended in perfectly with the old townscape over the years. The first floor has mostly counter seating with a low ceiling and a relaxed atmosphere, and the aroma of coffee wafting through the air is soothing. The second floor, on the other hand, has a high ceiling and a large window with a view of the teahouse district. Located on the main street of the teahouse district, it is a convenient place where you can casually enjoy a cup of coffee or other beverages.

Sabo Soshin

• 1-24-1 Higashiyama, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa MAP
• From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Castle Town Tour Bus (clockwise route). 5 min. from Hashiba-cho stop.
• Open from 10:00 - varies by day (please check before visiting)
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• 076-252-4426
• None