Geisha House Shima — Local services in Kanazawa

This summer our family visited Shima for the second time. Last summer, we loved their macha tea and exquisite wagashi, so we had to visit again. Shima has a lovely show case of how a geisha tea house looked like. It was fun imagining the sound of shamisen (Japanese string instrument) and dancing geisha. The best part is the tea room at the end of the route facing a small but very charming garden. There, you give the staff wooden tea tickets, and sit and wait. Soon, the staff bring freshly made macha green tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets). Kanazawa is known for their high quality Japanese sweets, but the sweet they served were outstanding and went very well with the tea. The room only fits 10 people or so. I highly recommend you pay the extra 700yen/person to have a green tea at the end, and relax. They are open...

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...

Geisha House Shima is a wonderful place to experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional tea house. You can explore both the first and second floor, where you can admire the elegant architecture and furnishings. The highlight of the house is the small garden in the center, which creates a serene and tranquil mood. Geisha House Shima is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the culture and history of geisha in Japan. To enter, you pay a fee at the entrance and then leave your shoes in a locker. You are allowed to take photos with your smartphone, but not with big...