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Geisha House Shima: A Window into Kanazawa's Geisha Culture

Explore Geisha House Shima in Kanazawa: Step back in time and discover the captivating world of geisha culture in a preserved Edo-era teahouse.

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Geisha House Shima, located in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District, is a preserved historical teahouse offering a glimpse into the world of geishas during the Edo period. Built in 1820, it showcases the architecture, arts, and lifestyle of these entertainers.

A brief summary to Geisha House Shima

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking and removing them to enter the house.
  • Consider visiting in the evening to experience the illuminated streets of the Higashi Chaya District.
  • Allow at least one hour to fully explore the house and its exhibits.
  • Try the matcha tea and Japanese sweets in the courtyard for a traditional experience.
  • Check out the nearby Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum to learn about Kanazawa's famous gold leaf craft.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hashiba-cho bus stop (RL5 on the Kanazawa Loop Bus), walk back towards Kanazawa Station and turn right at the second corner. Geisha House Shima will be a short walk down the street. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (clockwise) from the east terminal and get off at Hashiba-cho (RL5). Alternatively, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (counter-clockwise) and get off at Higashi Chaya District (LL11). From Hashiba-cho, walk back and turn right at the second corner. The fare for the Kanazawa Loop Bus is ¥210 for adults and ¥100 for children. From Higashi Chaya District (LL11) it is a short walk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Kanazawa Station. The ride to Geisha House Shima takes approximately 5 minutes and costs around ¥2300-¥2800. Taxi stands are located at both the east and west exits of Kanazawa Station.

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Discover more about Geisha House Shima

Step back in time at Geisha House Shima, a preserved teahouse (ochaya) in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District. Built in 1820, Shima offers a rare glimpse into the exclusive world of geishas and their wealthy patrons. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, the house is now a museum showcasing the architecture, arts, and lifestyle of geishas during the Edo period. Originally, the Higashi Chaya District was an entertainment district where wealthy merchants and nobility were entertained by geishas with music, dance, poetry, and drinking games. Shima was one of many teahouses in the area, serving sake and providing a space for geishas to showcase their talents. Unlike modern restaurants, Shima's kitchen was small, as food was often delivered. The first floor housed the owner's room, checkout, and geisha dressing room, while the second floor featured guest rooms and waiting rooms. Inside, admire the lacquered wooden surfaces, elegant furnishings, and carefully planned spaces. The rooms feature red walls, considered the most gorgeous color in Japanese rooms. Displays include accessories worn by geishas, tea ceremony utensils, and musical instruments like the shamisen. English information pamphlets are available, though individual displays are primarily in Japanese. For a more immersive experience, enjoy a cup of matcha green tea and a sweet in the courtyard.

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