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Geisha House Shima: A Glimpse into Edo-Era Entertainment

Explore a preserved Edo-era geisha house in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District, offering a glimpse into a world of art, entertainment, and tradition.

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Step back in time at Geisha House Shima, a preserved teahouse (ochaya) in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District. Built in 1820, this Important Cultural Property offers a rare look into the exclusive world of geisha entertainment during the Edo period.

A brief summary to Geisha House Shima

Local tips

  • Allow at least one hour to fully explore the house and its exhibits.
  • Consider trying the matcha tea and sweets in the courtyard for a more immersive experience.
  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the natural light and architectural details.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From within the Higashi Chaya District, Geisha House Shima is easily accessible on foot. The district is relatively small and compact, making it easy to navigate. Look for the traditional wooden building with a distinctive facade. It's located at 1 Chome-13-21 Higashiyama.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus to the Hashiba-cho bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 7 minutes and costs ¥200. From Hashiba-cho, it's a 5-minute walk to the Higashi Chaya District and Geisha House Shima. Alternatively, the Hokuriku Railroad Joka-machi Kanazawa Excursion Bus operates every 15 minutes from Kanazawa Station East Exit, platform 7, and costs ¥200.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Kanazawa Station to Geisha House Shima takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around ¥1500-¥2000. Taxis are readily available at the station.

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Discover more about Geisha House Shima

Geisha House Shima, nestled in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District, provides a captivating glimpse into the refined world of Edo-period geisha entertainment. Constructed in 1820, it stands as one of the few remaining ochaya (teahouses) that once thrived in this exclusive district. These establishments were not merely places for tea; they were venues where wealthy merchants and nobility were entertained by geishas through music, dance, poetry, and drinking games. Shima's architecture reflects the elegance and exclusivity of its past. The two-story structure features lacquered wooden surfaces and carefully designed spaces. The second floor housed guest rooms and waiting areas, while the ground floor contained the owner's living quarters and a dressing room for the geisha. Notably, Shima was one of the few buildings allowed to have a second story during that time, highlighting its luxurious status. Today, Geisha House Shima functions as a museum, preserving the atmosphere and artifacts of its past. Visitors can explore the guest rooms, admire the traditional decor, and view displays of accessories, tea ceremony utensils, and musical instruments once used by the geisha. Though the explanations are primarily in Japanese, English information pamphlets are available. For an additional fee, visitors can enjoy a cup of matcha green tea and a traditional sweet in the courtyard, further immersing themselves in the ambiance of a bygone era.

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