[2 Nights] A Journey of Fine Wine and Food at Maki no Oto Kanazawa Inn—With Private Tour of Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute

Your Journey Unfolds in Higashi Chaya District, a Historic and Atmospheric Area

Higashi Chaya District, home to the inn Maki No Oto Kanazawa, is just a 10-minute drive from Kanazawa Station. Established in 1820 and recognized by the Kaga domain, this historic teahouse district features ochaya, traditional gathering places where geisha entertain and showcase Japanese arts and culture. The main street, only a minute's walk from Maki No Oto Kanazawa, is lined with century-old teahouses and designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

A street lined with houses featuring lattice doors

Higashi Chaya District is filled with narrow, maze-like alleys that transport you back to the Edo 
period (1603-1868). As night falls and tourists leave, the area becomes quiet and serene. Occasionally, light spills from lattice doors, accompanied by the soothing sound of geisha playing the shamisen. The setting for this plan, Maki No Oto Kanazawa, seamlessly blends into this enchanting atmosphere.

Experience Kanazawa culture at a peaceful inn

Experience Tranquility in the Heart of the Teahouse District

Maki no Oto Kanazawa is an intimate four-room inn—two rooms in the main building and two in the annex—set in the historic teahouse district, offering a unique connection to Kanazawa's rich history and food culture. Housed in a traditional "eel's bed" townhouse with a narrow front and deep interior, the rooms open up toward a quiet, spacious courtyard. With tatami rooms and Japanese-style baths, you can unwind and experience the calm of traditional Japanese living, shoes off.

The inn's interior retains the atmosphere of a traditional townhouse, offering a peaceful retreat from the city

Enjoy a stay in either the NISHI room in the main building or the YUZEN room in the annex, just a brief 10-second walk apart. Both offer serene spaces that make you forget you’re in the city. NISHI, located on the second floor of the main building, features a tatami-floored living room and bedroom with views of the courtyard. YUZEN, on the first floor of the annex, also includes a tatami-floored living area and bedroom, with a courtyard view that can be enjoyed from the bathtub.

NISHI room: Japanese-Western style with a tatami living room and bedroom

NISHI room: Relax and enjoy the natural greenery

YUZEN room: A comfortable guest room with a seamless layout across the living room, bedroom, and bathroom

YUZEN room: Spacious with a view of the courtyard

A Fresh Culinary Adventure for All Five Senses

Higashiyama Wakon is on the first floor of Maki No Oto Kanazawa, a renovated old townhouse. This hideaway-like space is tucked away at the end of a dimly lit alley, accessed through a noren curtain. The kappo-style dining features a counter around the kitchen, where dishes are served one by one. One highlight is watching the cooking process, almost like a live show. At the table seats, you can also enjoy views of the illuminated courtyard.

Enjoy the skills and flavors of a master chef up close

Tomokazu Imai, the owner and talented chef of Higashiyama Wakon, represents Kanazawa with his innovative approach. While honoring traditional cooking methods, he adds his unique flair through delicate yet bold combinations of seasonal ingredients. For instance, he skillfully pairs sea urchin with lotus root, crab with chrysanthemum, and matsutake mushrooms with beef to create surprising flavors. The course includes over a dozen small dishes, offering a truly impressive culinary experience.

A selection of dishes highlighting Kanazawa's abundant ingredients

This plan lets you enjoy dinner not only at Higashiyama Wakon but also affiliated restaurants of Maki No Oto Kanazawa. As one of Japan’s top culinary destinations, Kanazawa boasts a rich food scene. Maki No Oto Kanazawa provides a carefully curated list of recommended restaurants, allowing you to choose from a variety of cuisines, including sushi, kaiseki, French, and teppanyaki.

A gourmet experience that delights all five senses in an elegant setting

Enjoy Sake Tasting at Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute

On your second day, enjoy a private tour and tasting at the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute, a renowned sake brewery about an hour from the hotel. Established in 2017 to honor the legacy of master brewer Noguchi Naohiko, known as the “god of sake brewing” with 70 years of expertise, the institute offers a gallery and tasting room to explore the depth of Noguchi’s craft. A private car will take you to and from the brewery for a relaxed and comfortable journey.

The Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute is located in the scenic mountain village of Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture

From the gallery, you can view the brewing room through glass. The room is filled with tanks, and during the winter brewing season (November to March), you can watch the brewing process up close. Depending on the time of day, you might even see the brewers at work, feeling their passion for crafting sake.

If you visit during brewing, you can watch the process unfold as the aroma of sake fills the air

In the tasting room Touan, enjoy a special pairing of sake and small bites while taking in the beautiful seasonal rural views. The tasting includes five types of sake, with the standout being the Limited Edition NOGUCHI NAOHIKO 01—a masterwork personally selected and meticulously aged for several years by Noguchi himself as his "best lot."

You can not only learn about Noguchi’s sake but also taste it

At the quiet counter table, designed like a teahouse, you can sample Noguchi Naohiko's sake paired with snacks. The four-and-a-half tatami mat counter, plaster walls, and seasonal views create a truly special experience.

A Culture of Fine Sake and Cuisine Shaped by Nature and History

During the Edo period, Kanazawa was a thriving castle town, known for its blossoming craft culture and rich food scene, thanks to the abundance from both mountains and sea. Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its sake, boasts the perfect climate, rice, and water, producing many skilled brewers. This plan offers a chance to experience the region’s rare tradition of fine sake and food in luxury. Starting at Maki no Oto Kanazawa in Higashi Chaya District, enjoy a journey of exceptional sake and cuisine, learning the stories behind each.

A gourmet journey for the senses