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Geisha House Shima: A Step Back in Time

Step back in time at Geisha House Shima in Kanazawa, a preserved Edo-era teahouse offering a glimpse into geisha culture and artistry.

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Geisha House Shima, nestled in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District, is a preserved teahouse offering a glimpse into the world of geishas during the Edo period. Built in 1820, this historical landmark showcases traditional architecture and provides insights into geisha life and artistry.

A brief summary to Geisha House Shima

Local tips

  • Explore the Higashi Chaya District's charming streets, filled with teahouses, cafes, and souvenir shops.
  • Enjoy a cup of matcha green tea and a sweet for a small fee while experiencing the atmosphere of Ochaya Shima.
  • Visit during the day for a quieter experience compared to the evening.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Station, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to Geisha House Shima. Head east from the station, following the main street. Cross the Asano River and continue into the Higashi Chaya District. Look for signs directing you to Geisha House Shima.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (either clockwise or counter-clockwise). Get off at the Hashiba-cho (RL5) bus stop for the clockwise loop or the Higashi Chaya District (LL11) bus stop for the counter-clockwise loop. From Hashiba-cho, walk back and turn right at the second corner. From the Higashi Chaya District bus stop, it's a short walk to Geisha House Shima. The bus fare is ¥210.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station. The taxi rank is located at the east exit of the station. A taxi ride to Geisha House Shima takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately ¥1000. Note that fares may increase at night.

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Discover more about Geisha House Shima

Ochaya Shima, located in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District, is a historical geisha house that now serves as a museum, offering visitors a captivating look into the lives of geishas. Built in 1820, it was part of the Higashi Kuruwa, an entertainment district for wealthy merchants and nobility. The term "ochaya" means teahouse, but these establishments primarily served sake and provided entertainment by geishas, including music, dance, and drinking games. Shima is designated as an Important Cultural Asset, preserving the memories of the past. The two-story building features guest rooms on the upper floor and the owner's living area on the ground floor, along with an internal garden and a geisha dressing room. The interiors retain much of their original appearance, with lacquered wooden surfaces and elegant furnishings. Visitors can view displays of geisha accessories, tea ceremony utensils, and musical instruments. English information pamphlets are available, though individual displays are primarily in Japanese. During the feudal period, construction restrictions were in place, but Shima was one of the few buildings allowed a second story, highlighting its luxury. The "zashiki" guest room is paired with a "hikae-no-ma" waiting room, where geishas performed. The building's wooden surfaces are lacquered, and the door catches are cloisonne ware.

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