From July 27th to August 13th 2023, the "Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Kawadoko" was held on the left bank of the Asano River, on the Kazuemachi side. Kazuemachi is one of the three teahouse districts in Kanazawa. It is a quaint area with upscale traditional restaurants (ryotei), teahouses (chaya) and cobblestoned streets.
I visited on August 7th (Monday). In the afternoon, there was heavy rain like a squall, and I was worried that the riverbed would form, but luckily it cleared up. In case of rain, the event will be held at a Japanese restaurant, which is also enjoyable.
On the day I visited, 45 guests were attended by 5 geishas. The fee is 15,000 yen including upscale bento boxes (Shokado bento) full of classic Japanese taste, and all-you-can-drink. Sometimes a geisha comes to serve drinks. When it gets dark, the dance and music performance by geisha starts. A pleasant breeze from the river nearby gives you an elegant feeling.
Bento boxes are prepared by four long-established local traditional Japanese restaurants, and geishas come from different “chaya” (teahouse) from the area. The contents of the bento box vary from one restaurant to another, so it's no wonder that some guests make multiple visits.
Shiraito Kawadoko started in 2006. Since then, this nightly event has been adding various improvements each year and attracting guests from all over the country. It is becoming a summer tradition that everyone look forward to.
Note: The opening date for next year's reservations for "Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Kawadoko" has not yet been determined.
Inquiries: Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall Tel 076-256-0908
