Gold leaf production in Kanazawa dates back to the Edo period, a tradition nurtured by the city's ideal climate, which offers the perfect combination of humidity, temperature, and pure water. These natural conditions have made Kanazawa the leading region for gold leaf production.

The process is fascinating: gold is mixed with tiny amounts of copper and silver, then beaten into sheets so thin they're almost beyond belief—just a ten-thousandth of a millimeter thick! The result is a delicate, shimmering gold leaf that captures the essence of Kanazawa’s craftsmanship.

Within the three ancient districts preserving this ancient art, Higashi Chaya, Nishi Chaya, and Kazuemachi Chaya, the biggest is Higashi Chaya. This deeply historical area is filled by rows of teahouses with origins spanning the Edo era to the Meiji period.

Lots of the area’s historical buildings, known as ‘Kanazawa Machiya,’ were once the homes of Edo merchants and workers. They have now been skillfully and respectfully renovated into trendy cafes and shops.

Our first recommended gourmet spot is HAKUICHI’s Higashiyama outlet, conveniently located at the entrance of Higashi Chaya’s main street. The shop stands out with its traditional dark vermillion color scheme and lattice doors, perfectly capturing the area's historic charm. HAKUICHI is renowned for its exquisite gold leaf handicrafts, luxurious makeup products, and delectable sweets—all infused with the shimmering allure of gold leaf.

HAKUICHI’s showcase item is the Gold Leaf Sparkling Soft-serve Ice Cream. This photogenic treat, which lavishly incorporates a sheet of gold leaf, was a hit the moment it went on the market, earning it a fan base from both domestic and international travelers. The rich milky texture will be sure to please!

Gold leaf is incredibly delicate, crinkling and breaking with the slightest touch. Even static electricity and gentle breezes can cause it to disintegrate! When gold leaf is wrapped around ice cream, it's a mesmerizing moment that happens in an instant—so don’t blink, or you might miss it!

Remember, eating while walking is not allowed in Higashi Chaya. Fortunately, HAKUICHI offers cozy spaces on the first and second floors where you can savor your ice cream before heading out to explore the district. Enjoy your treat in the shop, then embark on your adventure through the enchanting streets of Higashi Chaya!

In ancient Japan, gold was believed to bring fortune and protection and was thus revered as a good luck charm. Using this as their motif, Hakuza – Kin no Engiya, serve a collection of golden delicacies on the main street of Higashi Chaya.

As soon as you pass through the curtain and enter the restaurant, you’ll hear the sounds of traditional Japanese festival music. This jovial atmosphere creates an enchanting aura, projecting a feeling that something good is around the corner!

Their most famous item is the 'Golden Takoyaki'—delectable fried octopus balls covered in a stunning sheet of gold leaf. The batter, crafted from seven kinds of natural 'dashi' soup stock, is delicately fried to perfection, bursting with rich umami flavors. These soft, fluffy takoyaki balls will melt in your mouth, offering a luxurious twist on a beloved classic.

The staff will place the golden leaf upon the takoyaki right in front of you – so have your camera ready! You won’t be able to take your eyes of their dazzling beauty!

Around 100 steps from Higashi Chaya’s entrance is the tranquil main outlet of Gold Leaf Sakuda. This spacious ‘gold leaf theme park’ allows customers to appreciate the charm of gold leaf through ‘buying,’ ‘seeing,’ ‘experiencing,’ and ‘eating.’

When visiting, don’t miss checking out the golden second-story female bathroom. Approximately 3000 sheets of gold leaf cover the walls, making you feel like a queen in a castle!

This spectacle is more than just an art exhibition - working toilets allow you to take care of business too! A great vacation story to share at home! While the men’s toilet unfortunately isn’t golden, it instead has a platinum leaf wall, which is also worth a look.

You can also get explanations and demonstrations from professional gold leaf crafters at their workshop. Many foreign tourists are extremely interested in their process, and questions from fascinated observers constantly fly across the room. Some of the crafters can speak basic English, and can answer most questions, so ask away!

Higashi Chaya’s latest offering, KINKA, which specializes in HAKUICHI’s best-selling product of the same name, is a newly-opened gold leaf cosmetics store.

The store bases itself around two themes. The first is ‘recommending the best products through careful attention to your skin’s troubles,’ and the second is ‘getting close and personal with women everywhere!’

KINKA’s cosmetic range all incorporate gold leaf, which has naturally led to it becoming a huge hit amongst foreign tourists! Once applied, gold leaf sticks to your skin and seals in moisture, preventing it from drying out. It has strong moisturizing properties, with long-term use resulting in added shine and luster to your body.

A pamphlet explaining their products is available in English, Chinese, and Korean. The English version also has a Q&A section, and if you’re extra curious, asking the staff questions in English is fine too!

Their best-selling product is the ‘Kanazawa Gold Nano Lotion N.’ With natural plant extract and a huge helping of gold leaf, its moisturizing ability is second to none! Despite being a gel, it blends with your skin flawlessly without sticking. The pleasant feeling of it being absorbed by your skin will make you want to use it again and again!

After using, the gold leaf specks will quickly disappear. However, they’re not gone! Their minuscule size renders them too small to be seen with the naked eye. The gold leaf will force moisture to penetrate the outer layers of your skin, resulting in a very noticeable effect. There is a sample bottle available for you to test, so give it a try for yourself!

Embracing one of Japan’s most iconic motifs, the cherry blossom tree, HAKUICHI's designs are especially popular among foreign travelers. Originally a seasonal spring product, the demand for cherry blossom designs has grown so much that they are now available year-round. A standout item is the beloved ‘Nano Lotion Sakura,’ a luxurious lotion infused with both gold leaf and cherry blossom essence. The bottle, adorned with delicate cherry blossom petals, releases a subtle fragrance reminiscent of Japan with each use, evoking fond memories of the beautiful cherry blossom season.

Once your gold leaf tour concludes, step back into the Edo era by exploring traditional Japanese tea houses! These historic establishments, many still in use today, were once the social hubs where high-ranking men were entertained with performances and music. While most tea houses remain exclusive and do not accept first-time visitors, there are two notable exceptions: Shima and Kaikaro, which welcome tourists in the afternoon.

Just a 5-minute walk from Higashi Chaya lies another ancient tea district of Kanazawa—Kazuemachi Chaya. This equally enchanting area, nestled along the Asano River, exudes a more mature and serene atmosphere, making it ideal for leisurely strolls. Ending your day here provides the perfect, tranquil finale to your Kanazawa adventure.

Article by Kana Tsuchiya

(This article was originally published in December 2020. Prices and items subject to change.)