Geisha House Shima

I loved exploring this old Geisha tea house and finding out more about their lives and work. There are guide pamphlets in several languages (including English) and information staff upstairs and downstairs to ask questions of. It is such an important part of this areas history I highly recommend it. I also has the matcha ( an optional extra) which was likely overpriced but a beautiful and historic place to have my first matcha!

Went to Shima Geisha House in the late afternoon. I had a wonderful experience. The house is beautifully preserved in the same way as it was centuries ago. Full of ancient objects from the past. The tea room is exquisite - you get to sit down, enjoy your matcha while looking at the beautiful garden. The staff are friendly and polite. If you are interested in history, culture and traditions, I would highly recommend this place. For 1300 yen you get to see the inside of the house, enjoy matcha and a sweet. To me it was a much better value than just visiting a tea house in the area.

It was a Geisha house with a small fee of 500 JPY you can go inside for a visit! The museum itself was very small but displayed many artifacts from the past! There also an area you can seat to have some Japanese tea with or without a small piece of snack for 800 JPY! The staffs do not speak too much of foreign language but simple English can do the job!

In the context of Japanese culture refers to an okiya, a lodging house where geisha, or professional female entertainers, live and are trained. These houses play a crucial role in the lives of geisha, providing them with accommodation, training, and support throughout their careers. An okiya is typically run by a "mother" figure (okā-san or okaasan) who manages the house, oversees the geisha's training, and handles their engagements and bookings. Trainee geisha (maiko) typically live at the okiya during their apprenticeship, learning traditional arts like dance, music, and tea ceremony. Only phone cameras permitted in this venue. Fee charged for entry. Many rooms and stairs to negotiate. Popular with tourists. Tastefully decorated in bright colours.

We visited in the afternoon and it wasn’t that busy. Entrance was 300 yen. You take your shoes off and bag, they have designated places for it. The staff was really nice and welcomming. The house was really fascinating, pretty and impressive. I would recommend stopping by☺️

I enjoyed it. Better than Kamazawa castle. It has that authentic feel. Tea experience worth it I think. Lovely staff.

A historic Chaya house built in 1820, SHIMA offers an experience of what life as a Geisha is during the Edo period. Designated as a national important cultural asset, the house is located along the main street of Higashi Chaya District which could be overlooked. Inside, there are many artifacts used by the Geishas such as musical instruments and lacquerware. There is a charge of ¥500 per adult and not much information is translated to English so it would be good if you come along with a guide either as part of a tour package or privately hired

Do not miss this house when visiting Highashi Chaya! While the house is on the main street, it’s easy to miss it. Very cool historical geisha house with tea room in the back (definitely pay extra for the tea!). Highly recommend when visiting Kanazawa.