We interviewed Junichi Uehara, the manager of Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall, an establishment dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the geisha quarters in Kanazawa.

A city preserving traditional streetscapes and artistry
Since the Edo period, Kanazawa has remained untouched by the ravages of war and significant natural disasters, preserving its historical treasures that survive to this day. The city’s three geisha quarters—Higashi, Kazuemachi, and Nishi—retain the streetscapes of days gone by. Within the meticulously arranged chaya establishments designed for banquets, geishas captivate guests with their performances encompassing dance, taiko drumming, Japanese flute melodies, shamisen strumming, and melodic singing.
Kanazawa’s geishas take immense pride in being custodians of traditional performing arts, and they prioritize their rigorous practice above all else. They dedicate a considerable amount of their daylight hours to training, showcasing their skills at evening banquets. Recognizing the profound importance of preserving these performing arts, they steadfastly avoid relying on recorded music during their dance performances. While geisha quarters throughout Japan have garnered attention as tourist attractions in recent years, Kanazawa distinguishes itself by offering more than just a tourist spectacle; here, it embodies an authentic and vibrant living artistry. Enchanted by such an environment, some women journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa, drawn by the aspiration to join the geisha path within this city’s embrace.
Geishas’ finery invites the audience
into an extraordinary realm


Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall
Mr. Uehara, manager of the Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall
Experience the Kanazawa Geisha culture
through events in October and November 2023
Geisha in Kanazawa are referred to as Geiko-san or Geigi and have inherited a history of around 200 years in the castle town. Geisha continue to carry on their traditions through performances and rigorous daily trainings in the three Geisha districts of Kanazawa – Higashi, Nishi and Kazue-machi.

Popular in Kanazawa since 2014, this entertainment evening is led by the landlady of the Kaikaro teahouse, aka Lady Baba. Lady Baba provides informative, entertaining speeches on the teahouse and Geisha culture entirely in English. The large venue holds 30+ guests with several seating options.
Geisha Evenings Project Office
Official Site

An experience held at an authentic teahouse to watch dances, taiko drums, etc. played by geishas, as well as to interact and perform together with them. This is a special opportunity not to be missed during a stay in Kanazawa!
Kanazawa City Tourism Association
Official Site
The event is held on Saturdays until March 2024.
Please visit the website too see the event calendar.

A museum in Kannon-machi, dedicated to Kanazawa Geiko culture, is offering an evening event for the public to have a rare experience. Enjoy geiko entertainment and hospitality to the fullest.
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall
Official Site

A special experience to begin familiarizing yourself with two of Kanazawa’s important traditional cultures: tea ceremony and Geisha. Indulge yourself in the dream-like experiences held in Kazue-machi Chaya-gai Geisha District and Nishi Chaya-gai Geisha District.
Art of Geisha Project Office
Official Site