Unlocking the Secrets of the Higashi Chaya Tea House with Geisha@Kanazawa! Blog Tours by a Local Guide, Japan.Ready to Crack a Smile? Visit Us!

1. Welcome to a virtual (imaginary) tour guided by a local

Since this is a fairly long tour, I strongly recommend joining just one part of it if you’re looking for a change of pace. Let’s make sure it’s a long and memorable experience—not a long and wrong one ❤.

This blog takes you on a journey through the Higashi Chaya tea house district in Kanazawa, Japan, which retains the atmosphere of the Samurai Edo Period. Unlike official sites that offer detailed and sophisticated information, this blog provides a virtual (and imaginary) tour guided by a local. It answers common questions about the Higashi Chaya tea house district and presents each highlight in a clear and engaging way, making it fun and easy to follow.

👉 Note: For detailed and comprehensive information, please check the official website or consult travel agencies.

For foreign visitors, business professionals, and students exploring Japan, I invite you to experience these fascinating stories in person. Come and discover the charm of the Higashi Chaya tea house district—I’ll be waiting for you!

1. Basic Terms for Your Curiosity

This is a special service for visitors interested in learning about the world of teahouses and Geisha culture. For your convenience and preferences, feel free to refer to these terms before embarking on the main tours!

1.1 Basic Terminology (Daily Conversation Level)

👉 These terms can be used in everyday conversations and casual chatting.

• kanzashi: Traditional Japanese hairpin worn with a kimono
• oshiroi: White face powder
• kuchibeni: Lipstick
• koto: Japanese harp or stringed keyboard
• shamisen: Japanese three-stringed guitar
• taiko: Japanese drum
• tsuzumi: Japanese hand drum
• kimono: Traditional Japanese clothing
• ozashiki: Tatami room for guests
• kinpaku: Gold leaf
• jinrikisha: Rickshaw

1.2 Chaya District-Related Terms (Enthusiast Level)

👉 These are terms that may sound familiar but have meanings different from what we, as Japanese speakers, use in daily life. For example, a “teahouse” isn’t a place for drinking or buying tea.

• chaya: Tea house
• chaya gai: Tea house district
• geisha: Traditional female performer/artist
• ichigen-san okotowari: “No first-time visitors” policy
• kanraku gai: Pleasure quarters; entertainment area
• yukaku: Licensed pleasure quarters; pleasure districts

1.3 Higashi Chaya-District Specific Terminology

👉 While these terms may be used in other regions, they are included here as they are commonly associated with this district.

• Geiko: Local term for geisha
• Kimusuko: Wooden lattice window resembling a bug cage
• Bengara: Deep Indian red color

2．Entire Higashi Chaya-gai (The East Tea House District)

2.1 Basic Information

Let me begin with a brief overview of the entire tea house district to help you get the full picture.☛To assist virtual visitors, English audio has been provided below. The first half (items 1–5) is narrated by an American female voice, while the second half (items 6–10) features an American male voice.

1. Kanazawa has three ochaya (teahouse) districts, which were pleasure quarters during the samurai period, but this is the largest area.
2. Ochaya was a place where geisha entertained wealthy merchants with singing, playing, and dancing, not a place to relax over a cup of tea like today’s coffee shops.
3. Geishas, called geiko by the locals, are entertainers who can dance and perform, and are different from the hostesses who serve customers in modern bars and clubs.
4. Originally scattered throughout the city, teahouses were consolidated in three locations about two centuries ago to prevent the spread of extravagance.
5. Kanazawa was spared the air raids of the war, so the wooden buildings and latticed windows of the traditional teahouses of the samurai period can still be admired.
6. Many of these buildings have been turned into cafes, restaurants, sweet stores, and craft stores to suit modern tastes, but several still remain teahouses with geiko.
7. In the world of geiko hospitality, the “no first-time visitors” rule is still in effect, and you can only enter with an introduction from a familiar patron from the past.
8. Today, you can watch geiko perform at certain teahouses if you follow the proper procedures through the respective teahouses or locally specialized offices.
9. Originally called “yukaku”, licensed pleasure quarters and enclosed by wooden fences for separation like those in other districts, this area is said to have primarily offered entertainment through the performances of talented geikos.
10. Although various shops and stores housed in the approximately one hundred historic buildings might appear modern, many of them have a long history, including a Japanese sweets shop and a liquor store that has been in operation for nearly 400 years.

2.2 A Brief Insight for the Curious

This is a special service for visitors interested in learning about the world of teahouses and Geisha culture, presented in both English and Japanese. The 10 items of basic information above have been simplified into concise sentences, accompanied by English and Japanese audio. These recordings feature charming voices that evoke the atmosphere of graceful geisha. I hope you enjoy the delightful combination of English and Japanese audio!　☛At the end, you can review the Japanese expressions and pronunciation of each sentence for reference.

1. Kanazawa has three ochaya districts dating back to the samurai era, with the largest one as our focus today.
2. Ochaya once hosted geisha performances of singing and dancing, which were very different from modern teahouses.
3. Locally, geisha, called “geiko,” are skilled in traditional dance and performance, but they are often mistakenly associated with modern hostesses.
4. Two centuries ago, teahouses were moved to three city outskirts to curb extravagance.
5. Kanazawa was spared wartime air raids, preserving traditional samurai-era teahouses.
6. While some teahouses became modern cafes and shops, a few still feature traditional geiko performances.
7. The “no first-time visitors” rule in geiko culture still applies, requiring an introduction by local patrons.
8. Visitors can enjoy geiko performances at certain teahouses by following the proper procedures.
9. This area, once called ‘yukaku’ (pleasure districts) and enclosed by wooden fences, mainly showcased geiko performances rather than casual entertainment.
10. While many shops look modern, some, like a 400-year-old sweets shop and liquor store, retain long histories.

《Japanese expressions and pronunciation》

1. 金沢には武士の時代に遡る3つの茶屋街がありますが、今日はその中で最大のものをご紹介します。
   • Kanazawa ni wa bushi no jidai ni sakonoboru mittsu no chaya-gai ga arimasu ga, kyou wa sono naka de saidai no mono wo go-shoukai shimasu.
2. かつてお茶屋では、芸妓による歌や踊りのパフォーマンスが催されていまして、現代のお茶屋とは大きく違っていました。
   • Katsute ochaya de wa, geiko ni yoru uta ya odori no pafomansu ga motosasete imashite, gendai no ochaya to wa ookiku chigatte imashita.
3. 地元で「芸妓（げいこ）」と呼ばれる芸者は、伝統的な舞踊や演奏に長けていますが、しばしば現代のホステスと誤解されるのです。
   • Jimoto de “geiko (geiko)” to yobareru geisha wa, dentouteki na buyou ya ensou ni takete imasu ga, shibashiba gendai no hosutesu to gokai sareru no desu.
4. 200年前、贅沢を押えるために、茶屋は3つの市の郊外に移されました。
   • Nihyaku-nen mae, zeitaku wo osaeru tame ni, chaya wa mittsu no shi no kougai ni utsusaremashita.
5. 金沢は戦時中の空襲を免れたため、武士の時代の伝統的な茶屋が保存されています。
   • Kanazawa wa senji-chuu no kuushuu wo manukareta tame, bushi no jidai no dentouteki na chaya ga hozon sarete imasu.
6. いくつかのお茶屋は現代風のカフェやショップになりましたが、何軒かでは伝統的な芸妓のお座敷が設けられています。
   • Ikutsu ka no ochaya wa gendai-fuu no kafe ya shoppu ni narimashita ga, nan-ken ka de wa dentouteki na geiko no ozashiki ga moukerarete imasu.
7. 芸妓文化の「一見さんお断り」のルールは今も有効で、地元の常連客による紹介が必要となります。
   • Geiko bunka no “ichigen-san okotowari” no ruuru wa ima mo yuukou de, jimoto no jouren-kyaku ni yoru shoukai ga hitsuyou to narimasu.
8. 訪問客もしかるべき手続きを踏めば、特定の茶屋で芸妓のパフォーマンスを楽しむことができます。
   • Houmon-kyaku mo shikarubeki tetsuzuki wo fumeba, tokutei no chaya de geiko no pafomansu wo tanoshimu koto ga dekimasu.
9. この地域はかつて「遊郭」と呼ばれ、木の柵で囲まれていましたが、安直な娯楽でなく芸妓のパフォーマンス主体に展開していました。
   • Kono chiiki wa katsute “yuukaku” to yobare, ki no saku de kakomarete imashita ga, anchoku na goraku de naku geiko no pafomansu shutai ni tenkai shite imashita.
10. 多くの店は今っぽく見えますが、400年の歴史を持つ菓子店や酒屋など、長い歴史を持つ店もいくつかあります。
    • Ooku no mise wa ima-ppo ku miemasu ga, yonhyaku-nen no rekishi wo motsu kashiten ya sakaya nado, nagai rekishi wo motsu mise mo ikutsu ka arimasu.

2.3 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors.

This virtual tour blog answers common questions visitors might have. I’ve selected 10 questions frequently asked by foreign visitors to the Higashi-chaya-gai area. I hope you enjoy these Q&A sessions, presented with audio featuring a female US voice and a male UK voice.

1. Q: What is this teahouse district for anyway?
   • A: It was a place where wealthy merchants, literati, and high-ranking warriors sought culture and entertainment.
2. Q: When was this town built?
   • A: About two centuries ago, it was established as a collective entertainment district, surrounded by wooden fences known as yugaku.
3. Q: Why was it built here?
   • A: Fearing the spread of extravagant lifestyles, the local government of the time consolidated them on the outskirts of this city in order to isolate them.
4. Q: What kind of people lived here?
   • A: Various geisha, managers, and supporting staff resided here, all dedicated to entertaining the patrons of this entertainment district.
5. Q: How did they live?
   • A: They earned their living by offering various services, primarily geisha performances tailored to the needs of visitors each night.
6. Q: Is this place still the same as it was?
   • A: Kanazawa was not damaged by air raids, so the streets and buildings from the samurai era remain intact.
7. Q: What can we enjoy here?
   • A: Visitors can still enjoy geisha performances at select teahouses, just as people did in the past, while also trying on kimono, savoring sake, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), and matcha (powdered green tea), and participating in a gold leaf crafting class.
8. Q: What is this area like at night?
   • A: In the evening, locals enjoy geisha performances at exclusive teahouses or spend time drinking at Japanese-style restaurants and bars.
9. Q: Do geishas live here?
   • A: No one, including geishas, lives here. Everyone commutes from home, much like modern businesspeople.
10. Q: Can we see geishas when walking around here?
    • A: Generally, geishas do not walk around in kimonos, as they practice in their offices to prepare for night performances at invited teahouses.

2.4 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories addressing common questions from foreign visitors like you who are interested in learning about Japanese culture and local people. I hope you enjoy some of them!

Q1: How did this teahouse district in front of us come to be?

Here, expressions related to infectious diseases are included. The first half (items 1–5) covers serious content, while the second half (items 6–10) takes a lighter, humorous approach.☛The English audio consists of two files: the first half is narrated by an Australian female speaker, and the second half by a U.S. male speaker.

1. Originally, this area was a bustling hub of activity, drawing people together as it served as both a transportation center and a site with numerous temples.
2. As the samurai period came to an end, the stoic spirituality of earlier times declined, giving way to a growing trend of entertainment and luxury in the city’s teahouses.
3. To curb its growing extravagance and decadence, the local government at the time designated the area as a teahouse district, concentrating and isolating teahouses within it.
4. As a result, this teahouse district was established on the eastern outskirts of the city, with another located just across a nearby bridge.
5. Additionally, a third teahouse district was established on the western outskirts, bringing the total to three.
6. Perhaps the authorities believed that decentralizing these districts was more effective than concentrating them in one area to contain the “luxury disease.”
7. This approach, reminiscent of ancient methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, unfortunately came too late.
8. If it were a true infectious disease—primarily non-airborne—this method might have worked.
9. However, the “luxury disease” of seeking entertainment proved far more contagious than airborne infections.
10. Even now, two centuries later, this allure continues to captivate modern individuals, transcending time and space, attracting countless visitors from around the world to this very spot!

Q2：Is this kind of teahouse district only in Kanazawa?

Here, expressions related to the history of entertainment quoters are included. The first half (items 1–6) focuses on serious content, while the second half (items 7–10) takes a playful and goofy approach. The English audio is split into two files: the first half is narrated by an American male speaker, and the second half by an Indian male speaker.

1. There are other teahouse districts besides Kanazawa, with Kyoto’s famous teahouse district, Gion, being particularly well-known.
2. Gion has existed since ancient times, but during the Samurai period, it transformed into a cultural area called a “Hanamachi” (flower district), combining entertainment quarters known as yukaku and teahouse districts.
3. Yukaku itself is not particularly uncommon, as the government, around 400 years ago, implemented policies to concentrate sex-related businesses in specific areas.
4. One of the greatest and most well-known yukaku, “Yoshiwara,” was located in Edo, the former city of Tokyo, and became an enduring icon of Japanese culture.
5. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa shares a long history as a cultural city and developed its own teahouse district, attracting talented geisha.
6. Although this district was also surrounded by wooden fences to indicate a brothel area, it seemed to emphasize the sophisticated world of geisha performances.
7. For women without such talents, however, it may not have been a welcoming or comfortable place at that time.
8. Today, it is a blessing that this area embraces diversity, allowing individuals without artistic talents to thrive in various fields, such as gold leaf crafts, liquor shops, and confectionery shops.
9. It’s a privilege to live in Kanazawa—a city with a rich cultural history and a spirit of inclusiveness.
10. Even I, embodying the classic Japanese persona of “Mugei taishoku” (no particular talent but great at eating), can find my place and contribute meaningfully here!

3. Tea House in General

3.1 Basic Information

Let’s start with a brief overview of teahouses to enhance your experience on this blog tour. ☛To guide virtual visitors, English audio is split into two parts: the first half (1-10) narrated by a British female voice, and the second half (11-20) by an American male voice

《英語》

1. There used to be many teahouses, but only a few are still in business today.
2. Even today, the basic rules of ‘no first-time visitors’ and ‘no-wallet visit and pay later’ still apply.
3. If the customer does not pay, the introducer must pay, a typical credit business.
4. While some teahouses are open to the public, and offer performances for foreign visitors, others have been converted into museums.
5. There are also many teahouses in Kyoto, but most of them are closed to the public, so it is a rare experience to be able to see the inside of a teahouse here.
6. The building is as it was when it was built about two centuries ago, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of the teahouse and the geisha who entertained guests in those days.
7. The second floor was used for entertaining customers, while the first floor was used for the proprietress and geisha staff.
8. The staircase was also divided into two sections, one for customers and one for staff, to ensure that customers did not witness the daily routines of employees.
9. Therefore, the second floor is luxurious, with a high ceiling for acoustics and the staircase is a stairwell.
10. Guests sit in the tatami room with their backs to the alcove, while a Geiko, a traditional Japanese entertainer, performs in a small room next door, visible through the sliding doors.
11. When the time is right, the sliding door is opened like a stage curtain, and Geiko, who has been waiting, begins to play.
12. In those days, in addition to geiko performances, the guests themselves performed tricks and were sometimes punished by being forced to drink sake, making it a place for cultural exchange.
13. In particular, Kanazawa geiko performed the art of taiko drumming in the tatami room, and sometimes invited guests to join in and beat the drums with them.
14. Teahouses employ various methods to enhance the ambiance before a geiko performance begins, such as burning incense or playing a Japanese flute in the adjoining antechamber.
15. Since the teahouse was a social gathering place, the kitchen did not prepare meals but instead sourced food from a caterer, focusing solely on warming drinks like sake.
16. A typical teahouse includes a small courtyard designed primarily for lighting and ventilation, while also being aesthetically pleasing by making the most of the limited space.
17. By skillfully arranging natural stones and moss within a confined area, the courtyard creates a sense of depth, offering viewers a feeling of tranquility.
18. The outer walls on the front street side of the teahouse are covered with special lattice windows that people cannot see inside from the outside through.
19. Most of the pillars in the teahouse are coated with lacquer to prevent corrosion and add luster.
20. To create a more relaxed atmosphere, the inside and outside of the building are coated with a unique reddish bengara (red shell).

3.2 A Brief Insight for the Curious

This special service caters to virtual visitors curious about teahouses, presented in both English and Japanese.These 20 key points are simplified into concise sentences, with English and Japanese audio featuring the same delightful voices.(At the end, you’ll find Japanese expressions and pronunciation for reference.)

1. Many teahouses existed in the past, but only a few remain open today.
2. Even now, rules like “no first-time visitors” and “pay later” still apply.
3. If a guest doesn’t pay, the introducer is responsible for covering the cost.
4. Some teahouses welcome tourists, offering performances, while others stay exclusive or serve as museums.
5. Kyoto also has teahouses, but most are private. Seeing the inside here is a rare chance.
6. This teahouse is 200 years old and retains its original atmosphere.
7. The second floor was for entertaining guests; the first floor was for staff.
8. A staircase for staff was separated to keep guests from witnessing their daily routines.
9. The second floor is grand, with a high ceiling for better acoustics.
10. Guests sat on tatami mats, while Geiko performed through sliding doors.
11. When ready, sliding doors opened, and the Geiko started performing.
12. At that time, guests also performed tricks or drank sake for fun.
13. Kanazawa Geiko played taiko drums and sometimes let guests join in.
14. To set the mood, teahouses burned incense or played a Japanese flute.
15. Kitchens didn’t cook—they warmed sake and got meals from caterers.
16. Teahouses have small courtyards for light, air, and beauty.
17. Stones and moss in the courtyard create depth and a relaxing feel.
18. Lattice windows on the front keep the inside hidden from the outside.
19. Most pillars are lacquered to protect them and give them a glossy look.
20. Walls are coated with reddish bengara paint to create a warm, inviting feel.

《Japanese expressions and pronunciation》

1. 昔は多くの茶屋がありましたが、今では数軒だけ営業しています。
   • Mukashi wa ooku no chaya ga arimashita ga, ima dewa suuken dake eigyou shite imasu.
2. 今でも「初めてのお客様お断り（一見さんお断り）」や「後払い」のルールがあります。
   • Ima demo “hajimete no okyakusama okotowari (ichigensan okotowari)” ya “ato-barai” no ruuru ga arimasu.
3. お客様が支払わない場合は、紹介者が代わりに支払います。
   • Okyakusama ga hara-wanai baai wa, shoukaisha ga kawari ni haraimasu.
4. 一部の茶屋は観光客向けの対応しますが、他の茶屋は一般人はNGであるか叉は博物館になっています。
   • Ichibu no chaya wa kankoukyaku-muke no taiou shimasu ga, hoka no chaya wa ippanjin wa NG de aru ka mata wa hakubutsukan ni natte imasu.
5. 京都にも多くの茶屋がありますが、ほとんどが非公開です。ここで中を見るのは珍しいことです。
   • Kyouto ni mo ooku no chaya ga arimasu ga, hotondo ga hi-koukai desu. koko de naka wo miru no wa mezurashii koto desu.
6. この茶屋は200年前に建てられたもので、当時の雰囲気が残っています。
   • Kono chaya wa nihyaku-nen mae ni taterareta mono de, touji no fun’iki ga nokotte imasu.
7. 2階はお客様の接待用、1階はスタッフ用に使われていました。
   • Nikai wa okyakusama no settai-you, ikkai wa sutaffu-you ni tsukawarete imashita.
8. 階段はスタッフ用と分かれていて彼らの日常をお客様に見せません。
   • Kaidan wa sutaffu-you to wakarete ite karera no nichijou wo okyakusama ni misemasen.
9. 2階は豪華で、音響のために天井が高く作られています。
   • Nikai wa gouka de, onkyou no tame ni tenjou ga takaku tsukurarete imasu.
10. お客様は畳の部屋に座り、芸妓が襖越しで演じます。
    • Okyakusama wa tatami no heya ni suwari, geiko ga fusuma-goshi de enjimasu.
11. 準備ができたら襖が開き、芸妓が演技を始めます。
    • Junbi ga dekitara fusuma ga hiraki, geiko ga engi wo hajimemasu.
12. 当時はお客様も芸を披露したり、お酒を飲んだりして楽しみました。
    • Touji wa okyakusama mo gei wo hirou shitari, osake wo nondari shite tanoshimashita.
13. 金沢の芸妓は太鼓の芸を披露し、時にはお客様も一緒に叩きました。
    • Kanazawa no geiko wa taiko no gei wo hirou shi, toki ni wa okyakusama mo issho ni tata kimashita.
14. ムードを高める為に、お茶屋はお香を焚いたり、笛を演奏したりしました。
    • Muudo wo takameru tame ni, ochaya wa okou wo taitari, fue wo ensou shitari shimashita.
15. 台所では料理をせず、お酒を温め仕出し料理を取り寄せました。
    • Daidokoro de wa ryouri wo sezu, osake wo atatame shidashi ryouri wo tori-yosemashita.
16. 茶屋には光と風通し、そして美しさ見せるのために小さな中庭があります。
    • Chaya ni wa hikari to kazetoushi, soshite utsukushisa miseru tame ni chiisana nakaniwa ga arimasu.
17. 中庭の石や苔は奥行きを創出し、癒しを感じさせます。
    • Nakaniwa no ishi ya koke wa okuyuki wo soushutsu shi, iyashi wo kanji sasemasu.
18. 正面の格子窓は、外から中が見えないようになっています。
    • Shoumen no koushi-mado wa, soto kara naka ga mienai you ni natte imasu.
19. 柱の多くは漆で塗られ、腐食を防止し、光沢を出しています。
    • Hashira no ooku wa urushi de nurare, fushoku wo boushi shi, koutaku wo dashite imasu.
20. 壁は赤い「ベンガラ」が塗られて、暖かく受容的に感じられます。
    • Kabe wa akai “bengara” ga nurarete, atatakaku juyouteki ni kanjiraremasu.

3.3 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors.

This virtual tour blog answers common questions about teahouses in general.Here are 10 questions often asked by foreign visitors exploring teahouses in the Higashi-chaya-gai area. Enjoy these Q&A sessions, featuring audio by a female Australian and a male US voice.

1. Q: What were people doing here?
   • A: Here, the rich and cultured people were entertained by geisha during nightly Japanese-style parties, known as o-cha-ya play.
2. Q: Was a tea ceremony held here?
   • A: While a tea ceremony could be arranged upon request, teahouses were not originally designed for this purpose.
3. Q: Did guests stay here?
   • A: Teahouses served as social settings for entertaining customers, so guests typically did not stay overnight.
4. Q: Did geishas live here?
   • A: Kanazawa’s geishas, or geikos, were sent to various teahouses to entertain guests but did not reside in specific teahouses.
5. Q: Until what time did the ochaya stay open?
   • A: There was typically no specific closing time, as some customers stayed until morning.
6. Q: Why was the teahouse no longer used?
   • A: Originally a pastime of the upper classes, teahouses became increasingly exclusive to a select few with the rise of democratization and the spread of popular games.
7. Q: What makes it different from a typical townhouse, or machiya?
   • A: Generally, the machiya served as a space for daily life, whereas the teahouse was exclusively designed for socializing, without practical structures like closets.
8. Q: How did teahouses manage summer and winter temperatures?
   • A: In summer, they improved ventilation with courtyards and front lattice windows, and kept food cool in a stone box in the basement. In winter, they used braziers to provide warmth.
9. Q: How did teahouses manage water?
   • A: Water was drawn from a well within the building and drained through a stone-lined channel.
10. Q: Why does each room have a different structure and design?
    • A: The colors and designs of each room were varied to enhance the beauty of both the interiors and the geishas, especially under the lighting.

3.4 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories answering common questions from curious visitors like you, eager to learn what a teahouse is really like. Enjoy!

Q1.What were people doing here in the first place?

Here, I have incorporated many expressions related to IT. The first half (1-5) covers the serious aspects, suitable for on-site explanations, while the second half (6-10) adds humor, specially crafted for this blog tour.☛Both sections feature American voices, with a female speaker narrating the first half and a male speaker the second.

1. This is called a teahouse, but it’s not a place where tea parties are held.
2. This is a kind of secret salon where only customers introduced by patrons are allowed.
3. This spacious tatami room, complete with a gold folding screen and alcove, is exclusively for guests.
4. Here, guests sip sake and enjoy catered dishes, all while marveling at geisha performances in the adjoining antechamber.
5. This isn’t just a one-way show—it’s an intimate gathering where guests join geisha in playing traditional instruments like taiko drums and engaging in games together.
6. Once a secret pastime for the wealthy elite, even most Japanese people didn’t really know what went on behind the scenes.
7. But thanks to the recent IT (information technology) boom, the secret’s out, and the public now knows what it’s all about.
8. While the traditional art of geisha performances is undoubtedly remarkable, many of the games are quite simple, and guests often need to embrace a playful, even foolish, attitude to enjoy them fully.
9. Just like IoT (the Internet of Things, where everything is connected through the Net), the geisha game is going viral—capturing the attention of everyone from children to the elderly.
10. Perhaps this kind of saying will gain further popularity in the near future… ”I owe tea! Let me treat you at the teahouse!”

Q2. What system did a teahouse operate under?

This section incorporates expressions related to governance. The first half (1-5) provides serious explanations, while the second half (6-10) adds a humorous twist.The first half is spoken by a British female speaker, and the second half by an Indian male speaker.

1. Ochaya, or teahouses, operated by organizing and providing a venue for geisha performances accompanied by banquets, known as ozashiki.
2. First, they planned the details of the ozashiki based on the requests and preferences of longtime patrons or customers introduced by these patrons.
3. Next, geishas who suited the plan were arranged through a management office called an okiya, and the banquet was ordered from a caterer to prepare for the ozashiki on the event day.
4. After the ozashiki ended, the ochaya collected payments from the customers and used the funds to pay the okiya office and caterers, completing the process of managing one event.
5. For important customers, it was said that ochaya billed semi-annually or annually, underscoring their central role in the ecosystem of geisha businesses.
6. However, cases of late or unpaid bills arose, making the role of patrons—responsible for guaranteeing payment—vital.
7. In the modern era, easier and more diversified leisure activities like travel and golf have taken over, causing the traditional teahouse business to decline, along with a drastic decrease in geishas and patrons.
8. Yet, with the recent surge in demand from foreign visitors, geisha performances have been modernized and revitalized, leading to a revival of the teahouse business.
9. Interestingly, the government has now become the new ‘patron,’ establishing national policies to boost tax revenues through increased foreign tourism, much to the locals’ delight.
10. I wish they would change their name as well—not the name of the unstable ruling party, but to the Tea Party that everyone loves, and the House of Representatives to the Tea House!

４.Geisha/Geiko

Here are some insightful stories explaining the world of geisha, or geiko.

4.1 Basic Information

These are the essential points to help you understand the allure of geisha or geiko, who captivate people worldwide with their mysterious charm. I’ve distilled the key information into 20 points, focusing on topics frequently discussed by foreign visitors. While much of this general information addresses common misunderstandings, topics specific to Kanazawa’s teahouse district are interspersed throughout the latter half. Also, long English sentences are divided into multiple sentences to make them easier to understand.The first half (1-10) is spoken by an Australian female speaker, and the second half (11-20) by an American male speaker.

1. The term ‘Geisha’ is widely recognized internationally, but the name varies by region. For example, in Kyoto and Kanazawa, they are referred to as ‘Geiko.’
2. Originally, ‘Geisha’ was a term used in the Kanto region, but like ‘Ninja’ and ‘Samurai,’ it has become ingrained in foreign cultures with an image somewhat different from reality.
3. One reason the name ‘Geisha’ became known overseas is the exotic image presented in ukiyo-e prints depicting geisha.
4. Since courtesans also operated within geisha districts (teahouse districts or hanamachi), even Japanese people often confuse the two.
5. There is also a theory that many sex workers who presented themselves as ‘Geisha girls’ during the post-war period of confusion influenced this image.
6. Recent internationally best-selling novels and films featuring geisha as main characters have further propagated a biased perception of geisha.
7. Many foreign visitors to Japan mistakenly believe that geisha are simply women who provide services similar to modern-day hostesses.
8. In reality, geisha are professional entertainers who have mastered various traditional arts, such as dance, the Japanese banjo or shamisen, singing, and, in Kanazawa, playing the drums.
9. Because each of these arts requires years of rigorous practice, geisha dedicate most of their time to honing their skills when not entertaining guests at banquets.
10. Even in the teahouse districts of Kanazawa, visitors can occasionally hear the sounds of musical instruments being practiced in geisha offices as they prepare for evening performances.
11. In Kyoto, there is a distinction between ‘Maiko,’ the apprentices, and ‘Geiko,’ the professional geisha. However, in Kanazawa, there are only ‘Geiko,’ as the apprenticeship system of ‘Maiko’ does not exist.
12. Geisha typically belong to a management office known as an okiya, though some become freelancers independent of the okiya. This arrangement varies by region.
13. Rather than being employed by teahouses, geisha are dispatched to teahouse banquets upon request to perform and entertain guests.
14. Geisha are not salaried; their main source of income comes from each entertainment event, with revenue varying depending on the content of the performance, duration, and the number of guests.
15. A significant portion of their earnings goes toward okiya membership fees, costume expenses, and practice costs, which help geisha maintain and enhance their skills and value.
16. In the past, many individuals were compelled to become geisha due to economic circumstances. However, today, more people from across the country are applying to join, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase their talents.
17. There is essentially no age limit to becoming a geisha. While some begin their journey in their mid-teens, in many regions, the minimum age is set at 18 due to child labor regulations.
18. Traditionally, geisha have generally not married, adhering to the custom of remaining single. In the past, there was an idealized pattern where a geisha might be chosen by a specific wealthy patron, marry, and retire from the profession.
19. In recent years, however, including among geisha in Kanazawa, many have chosen to continue their careers as geisha even after marriage, viewing it as a profession in its own right. Some geisha have also increased their presence and visibility online.
20. Since geisha operate as individual businesses, there is no mandatory retirement age. Remarkably, there have been legendary geisha who continued their work well into their 90s. In fact, Kanazawa is home to geiko who are older than the current U.S. President.

4.2 A Quick Insight for the Curious

This special service offers virtual visitors an experience akin to walking and talking with a local guide about geisha or geiko, presented in both English and Japanese.These 20 key points are simplified into concise sentences, accompanied by English and Japanese audio featuring the same charming voices. (At the end, you’ll find Japanese expressions and pronunciation for reference.)

1. The term ‘Geisha’ is known worldwide, but in Kyoto and Kanazawa, they are called ‘Geiko.’
2. Like ‘Ninja’ and ‘Samurai,’ ‘Geisha’ have their own favorable images overseas.
3. Old Japanese art, ukiyo-e, helped spread the exotic image of Geisha overseas.
4. Sometimes, even Japanese people confuse Geisha with courtesans, who also worked in these areas.
5. After the war, some women involved in the sex industry labeled themselves as ‘Geisha girls,’ which might have caused some confusion.
6. Bestselling books and movies about Geisha have given many overseas people the wrong idea about them.
7. Many foreigners mistakenly believe Geisha are like modern hostesses at bars, but they are not.
8. Geisha are highly trained entertainers skilled in Japanese traditional dance, music, and singing, with Kanazawa’s Geiko also playing drums.
9. Geisha practice for many years to acquire and improve their skills, spending most of their time training.
10. In Kanazawa’s teahouse districts, you might hear Geisha practicing music for their evening performances while walking.
11. Kyoto has a system with Maiko (trainees) and Geiko (professionals), but Kanazawa only has Geiko.
12. Geisha usually belong to a management house (okiya), or they work independently after leaving the okiya, though this may vary by area.
13. Geisha are not employed by teahouses but are dispatched to perform at parties on request, like modern temporary workers.
14. Since they are paid per party and not on a fixed salary, a Geisha’s income depends on the quality and type of performance.
15. Geisha spend much of their income on training, costumes, and okiya office fees to maintain and improve their value.
16. In the past, many became Geisha out of economic necessity, but today, young people join to showcase their talent.
17. There is no age limit to becoming a Geisha, but while some start in their mid-teens, the minimum age is set at 18 in many areas due to child labor laws.
18. Traditionally, Geisha did not marry, but it was considered ideal for them to leave the profession to marry a wealthy patron.
19. Now, many Geisha, including those in Kanazawa, continue working after marriage as part of their artistic careers.
20. With no retirement age, many Geisha remain active for years, including Kanazawa’s Geiko, some of whom are older than the U.S. President.

《Japanese expressions and pronunciation》

1. 『芸者』という言葉は世界中で知られていますが、京都や金沢では『芸妓（げいこ）』と呼ばれています。
   • “Geisha” to iu kotoba wa sekaijuu de shirarete imasu ga, Kyouto ya Kanazawa de wa “geiko (geiko)” to yobarete imasu.
2. 『忍者』や『侍』のように、『芸者』も海外では独自の好意的なイメージを持たれています。
   • “Ninja” ya “samurai” no you ni, “geisha” mo kaigai de wa dokuji no kouiteki na imeeji wo motarete imasu.
3. 日本の古美術、浮世絵が、芸者のエキゾチックなイメージを海外に広める一因となりました。
   • Nihon no kobijutsu, ukiyoe ga, geisha no ekizochikku na imeeji wo kaigai ni hiromeru ichiin to narimashita.
4. 時には、日本人でさえも芸者と遊女を混同することがあります。彼女たちも同じ地域で活動していたためです。
   • Toki ni wa, nihonjin de sae mo geisha to yuujo wo kondou suru koto ga arimasu. kanojotachi mo onaji chiiki de katsudou shite ita tame desu.
5. 戦後、一部の女性が『芸者ガール』と名乗り性風俗業に従事したことが、この混乱の原因になったかもしれません。
   • Sengo, ichibu no josei ga “geisha gaaru” to nanori seifuuzokugyou ni juuji shita koto ga, kono konran no gen’in ni natta kamoshiremasen.
6. 芸者を題材にしたベストセラー本や映画が、海外の多くの人々に誤解を与えています。
   • Geisha wo daizai ni shita besutoseraa hon ya eiga ga, kaigai no ooku no hitobito ni gokai wo ataete imasu.
7. 多くの外国人は、芸者を現代のバーのホステスのような存在だと誤解していますが、実際にはそうではありません。
   • Ooku no gaikokujin wa, geisha wo gendai no baa no hosutesu no you na sonzai da to gokai shite imasu ga, jissai ni wa sou dewa arimasen.
8. 芸者は、日本伝統の舞踊、音楽、歌などに熟達した高いスキルを持つ芸能のプロで、金沢の芸妓は太鼓も演奏します。
   • Geisha wa, nihon dentou no buyou, ongaku, uta nado ni jukutatsu shita takai sukiru wo motsu geinou no puro de, Kanazawa no geiko wa taiko mo ensou shimasu.
9. 芸者はその技術を習得し磨くために何年も練習を重ね、ほとんどの時間を訓練に費やしています。
   • Geisha wa sono gijutsu wo shuutoku shi migaku tame ni nan-nen mo renshuu wo kasane, hotondo no jikan wo kunren ni tsuiyashite imasu.
10. 金沢の茶屋街を歩いていると、夜のお座敷の為の練習をする芸者の楽器の音が聞こえることがあります。
    • Kanazawa no chaya-gai wo aruite iru to, yoru no ozashiki no tame no renshuu wo suru geisha no gakki no oto ga kikoeru koto ga arimasu.
11. 京都では、舞妓（見習い）と芸妓（プロ）の二つのシステムがありますが、金沢には芸妓しかいません。
    • Kyouto de wa, maiko (minarai) to geiko (puro) no futatsu no shisutemu ga arimasu ga, Kanazawa ni wa geiko shika imasen.
12. 芸者は通常、置屋（おきや）と呼ばれる管理事務所に所属していますが、置屋を離れ独立する人もいて、このシステムは地域によって異なります。
    • Geisha wa tsuujou, okiya (okiya) to yobareru kanri jimusho ni shozoku shite imasu ga, okiya wo hanare dokuritsu suru hito mo ite, kono shisutemu wa chiiki ni yotte koto narimasu.
13. 芸者はお茶屋に雇用されているわけではなく、現代の派遣労働者のように宴会でのパフォーマンス依頼を受けて派遣されます。
    • Geisha wa ochaya ni koyou sarete iru wake dewa naku, gendai no hakenroudousha no you ni enkai de no pafomansu irai wo ukete haken saremasu.
14. 芸者は固定給ではなく、宴会ごとに支払われるため、収入はパフォーマンスの内容やレベルによって異なります。
    • Geisha wa koteikyuu dewa naku, enkai goto ni hara-wareru tame, shuunyuu wa pafomansu no naiyou ya reberu ni yotte koto narimasu.
15. 芸者は、稽古や衣装、置屋の費用に多くの収入を費やすことで、自分の価値を維持・向上させています。
    • Geisha wa, keiko ya ishou, okiya no hiyou ni ooku no shuunyuu wo tsuiyasu koto de, jibun no kachi wo iji koujou sasete imasu.
16. かつては多くの人が経済的な理由で芸者になることを強いられていましたが、現在では自分の才能を発揮したいと考える若者が参入しています。
    • Katsute wa ooku no hito ga keizaiteki na riyuu de geisha ni naru koto wo shii rarete imashita ga, genzai de wa jibun no sainou wo hakki shitai to kangaeru wakamono ga san’nyuu shite imasu.
17. 芸者になるための年齢制限は基本的になく、一部は十代半ばで始めますが、多くの地域では労働基準法を考慮して18歳が最低年齢とされています。
    • Geisha ni naru tame no nenrei seigen wa kihonteki ni naku, ichibu wa juudai nakaba de hajimemasu ga, ooku no chiiki de wa roudou kijunhou wo kouryo shite juuhachi-sai ga saitei nenrei to sarete imasu.
18. 伝統的に芸者は結婚しないのが一般的で、裕福なパトロンと結婚して引退することが理想とされていました。
    • Dentouteki ni geisha wa kekkon shinai no ga ippanteki de, yuufuku na patoron to kekkon shite intai suru koto ga risou to sarete imashita.
19. 現在では、金沢を含む多くの芸者が、結婚後も芸術的なキャリアとして芸者の仕事を続けています。
    • Genzai de wa, Kanazawa wo fukumu ooku no geisha ga, kekkon-go mo geijutsuteki na kyaria toshite geisha no shigoto wo tsudzukete imasu.
20. 芸者には定年がなく、長い期間現役で活躍する人も多いですが、金沢の芸妓の中には、アメリカ大統領より年上の方もいます。
    • Geisha ni wa teinen ga naku, nagai kikan gen’eki de katsuyaku suru hito mo ooi desu ga, Kanazawa no geiko no naka ni wa, Amerika daitouryou yori toshiue no kata mo imasu.

4.3 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors.

This virtual tour blog answers common questions about geisha or geiko. Here are 10 questions commonly asked by foreign visitors curious about geisha or geiko in the Higashi-chaya-gai area. Enjoy these Q&A sessions, featuring audio by an Indian female speaker for questions and an American male speaker for answers.

1. What kind of performances did geisha do?
   • “They performed various Japanese traditional arts such as dance, shamisen (Japanese banjo), and singing, selecting performances that matched the season and the banquet’s atmosphere.”
2. Did geisha also practice tea ceremony and flower arrangement?
   • “Yes, traditional Japanese practices are an important part of expressing hospitality. Geisha also mastered tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and calligraphy, occasionally performing them in front of guests.”
3. How long have jobs like geisha existed?
   • “The history of geisha dates back over 300 years to the samurai era. While their roles and styles have evolved with time, the tradition continues today.”
4. What is the difference between a general geisha and a geiko here?
   • “Kanazawa’s geiko have a performance style that enhances the atmosphere with drums, reflecting the samurai town’s heritage. They also embody an independent spirit, living self-reliantly.”
5. How do geisha hone their skills?
   • “While Kyoto has schools to train geiko and maiko, Kanazawa’s geiko independently hone their skills by studying under masters in each field.”
6. What kind of language do geisha use?
   • “They carefully choose their words to avoid offending customers, using polite and refined language rooted in local traditions.”
7. What kind of conversations do geisha have with customers?
   • “They discuss a wide range of topics, such as current events, entertainment, and hobbies, tailoring conversations to the guests’ interests and enhancing the atmosphere.”
8. How are geisha’s hairstyles made?
   • “In the past, their hairstyles were crafted by professional hairdressers and took considerable time. Nowadays, most geisha use wigs for convenience.”
9. How do geisha do their makeup?
   • “Geisha’s makeup is defined by white face makeup. They spend about an hour carefully applying white powder to achieve a flawless finish.”
10. What is a typical day like for a geisha?
    • “During the day, they focus on practice and preparation. In the evening, they entertain guests at banquets, but on their days off, they relax and unwind like regular office workers.”

4.4 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories addressing common questions from curious visitors like you, eager to learn about the real lives of geisha. Will they satisfy your curiosity?”

Q1. How many geisha are there in Kanazawa now?

This section incorporated expressions related to the geisha industry. The first half (1-5) is a serious part that can be useful for your knowledge, and the second half (6-10) is a funny part for your fun.The first half is spoken by a British female speaker and the second half by an American male speaker.

1. In the past, when the teahouse districts were thriving, there were many geisha, but their numbers have drastically decreased over the last hundred years.
2. According to some records, their numbers dropped to about 10-20% of their peak during the samurai era.
3. Recently, however, many foreign tourists have visited, and the Higashi Chaya district appears to have regained some of its former prosperity.
4. Today, aspiring geisha come to Kanazawa from faraway places, and there are now enough geisha in Kanazawa that it would take over a month to meet a different one every day.
5. However, with the aging of geisha and a declining birthrate, there are concerns about future labor shortages in this industry, making it essential to recruit more geisha.
6. Interestingly, Kanazawa has flourishing tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and calligraphy classes—essential skills for geisha—attended by many ordinary women who walk gracefully through the city in kimono.
7. Perhaps women who lead culturally rich daily lives similar to geisha could support geisha during busy seasons.
8. However, many husbands might object, claiming it’s impossible for a wife who devotes time and effort to refining her beauty and skills to also pour sake for her husband, which is considered an essential aspect of a geisha’s role.
9. Some husbands may not understand. A true geisha does not cater to boorish or dull customers.
10. Wives who calmly observe their husbands might just have the natural talent of a geisha!

Q2. Why do geisha paint their faces white?

In this section, I’ve woven in a proverb commonly associated with the whiteness of skin as well as expressions inspired by Buddhist teachings. The first half (1-5) provides a serious explanation, while the second half (6-10) adds a touch of humor.☛The first half is spoken by an Australian female speaker, and the second half by an American male speaker.

1. There are several reasons, but one is that it makes their faces stand out during performances on the stage of an ozashiki (banquet room).
2. It also enhances their beauty when illuminated by candlelight in a teahouse’s ozashiki at night.
3. Geisha performances were originally influenced by kabuki, a popular form of entertainment from the same era, which is reflected in their makeup.
4. Moreover, geisha’s ozashiki performances can be viewed as intimate reproductions of grand kabuki stage acts.
5. Speaking with a geisha evokes the thrill of conversing with a kabuki actor who has stepped off the stage—an effect heightened by their white makeup.
6. Since ancient times, Japan has valued the whiteness of the face, as reflected in the still-common idiom, ‘white skin hides seven flaws.’
7. Interestingly, it also carries a nuance similar to the English ‘white lie,’ implying, ‘It’s acceptable to deceive with a white face, even if there are flaws referred to as the seven flaws.
8. In fact, the ‘seven flaws’ originally referred to external disasters like floods and fires, as per Buddhist teachings, rather than personal flaws.
9. Ironically, in modern times, the whiteness of the makeup might offer practical benefits, like protecting against harsh sunburn during summer.
10. More importantly, it can also serve as a subtle countermeasure against sexual harassment from unpleasant customers—thickly applied makeup can help conceal unwanted expressions from view.

🔶Thank you very much for reading to the end of this issue. If you have any comments or requests, please feel free to contact us at the Help Desk.🔶GOLD