The Kazuemachi
Chaya District
Visiting the Kazuemachi Chaya District is like taking a step back in time. A very scenic way to reach the Foochi Koochi rental house is to descend the stone steps of the Kuragarizaka (“dark slope”) and then pass through a narrow alley no broader than a wind corridor. You’ll soon hear faint sounds of the Asano River, which locals call Onagawa (the “woman river”) for its beautiful curves.
Along this riverside drenched in warm light are traditional machiya townhouses that make the area look as if time has stopped. The arches of the Asanogawa Bridge, which can be seen through the branches of cherry blossom trees, offer further vestiges of the past.
You can always feel the quiet dignity of the Meiji Period in Kazuemachi even with contemporary people on the streets coming and going from the teahouses, restaurants, and bars.
The main street that follows along the river offers full views of the sky, but you can experience an instant change of scenery by taking a step into the narrow dimly-lit, moss-covered back alleys. These backstreets of Kazuemachi, well known for their geisha parlors and fine dining, offer a glamorous area in the city that is hidden in plain sight.
Immerse yourself
in a cinematic world
Immerse yourself
in a cinematic world
The streets of Kazuemachi are most seductive at dusk when the riverside gas lamps light up. The neighborhood is particularly stunning in this brief moment before night descends from the sky and drowns the streets in a deep blue.
Sitting on the veranda, you can hear the faint sounds of geisha playing their shamisen and taiko drums. And when the neighborhood empties at night, walking through the back alleys, lined with masonry and lattice-covered townhouses, will make you feel as if you are inside of an old movie.
About Foochi Koochi
The taste of Kanazawa,
a treasure trove of cuisine
The taste of Kanazawa,
a treasure trove of cuisine
Thanks to its proximity to both ocean and mountains, Kanazawa is prized for its rich cuisine. We purposely do not provide meals at the inn, because we want guests to try out the incredible food and beverage at our favorite local restaurants. Guests at the house are provided a list of locations for your consideration.
For those who want to stay at home, one idea is to buy fresh seafood at the Omicho Market and cook it in the kitchen. Otherwise, you can taste all four seasons of Kanazawa at restaurants rooted in regional cuisine, or get to know the city by heading out to local bars and taverns.
The best way to enjoy Kanazawa’s numerous charms is to stay two or three times throughout the year to experience the different seasons.
A peaceful way to spend time
The house uses soap dishes and tableware from porcelain artist Yumiko Iihoshi. The delicate colors and designs of her work create a sense of unity in the house.
In the amenities, we offer bedding from the century-old Kanazawa institution, Ishitaya. We also offer soft-touch room-wear, original soaps and aromatic roll-ons, herbal tea made with local ingredients, and coffee inspired by Kanazawa.
Please spend a peaceful and luxurious time in the tranquil back alleys and alongside the elegantly flowing Asano River.