When you think of Gion in Kyoto,
many people may think of geigi and maiko.
For those of you who are wondering,
let me give you a brief explanation.
Geigi → A woman who entertains guests in Kyoto’s five districts (Kamishichiken, Ponto-cho, Miyagawa-cho, Gion-Kobe, and Gion-Higashi) with dance, music, and narimono to liven up a banquet.
Maiko → A girl in training to become a geigi.
(SARUDONO)
I came from the Edo period (1603-1867), when maiko and geigi were born in mizuchaya in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto.
If you are talking about the Higashiyama area, is it the area where Yasaka Shrine is located?
(SARUDONO)
That’s right.
A mizuchaya was a place where tea was served to people who visited shrines and temples or traveled along a highway.
The chakumi women who worked at the tea houses began to play songs and show dances.
This was the beginning of maiko and geigi.
I see.
(SARUDONO)
In the Edo period (1603-1868), when I was in Japan, there was a particular area where maiko and geigi entertained their customers.
That particular area is called Hanamachi, do you know it?
Yes.
Gion in Kyoto, Shinmachi in Osaka, or Yoshiwara in Tokyo?
(SARUDONO)
That’s right.
Hanamachi played an important role not only as a place for performing arts, but also as a place for cultural exchange and the exchange of information.
I got it.
I learned a lot!
The facility that you can learn more about geiko and maiko open today, May 15!
The place is in Gion, Kyoto.
The name of the facility is “Hanamachi Art Museum”.
The museum introduces geigi, maiko and Hanamachi culture in an easy-to-understand manner,
You can see hand-painted yuzen kimono and Nishijin obi,
and many other items such as maiko’s cosmetic tools and personal belongings.
Kanzashi (ornamental hairpins) that change with the seasons…
The black montsuki, a formal attire rarely seen in Gion…
Huh~!
I’m really curious about it!
(SARUDONO)
・・・
Oh, I’m sorry!
I’m so distraught.
And you can see the dance of a geigi or a maiko (one person) up close, which is not easy to see in everyday life!
You can also take a commemorative photo with a geigi or a maiko!
It’s a commemorative photo! A commemorative photo shoot!
(SARUDONO)
Y・・・Yes.
If you take a picture with instant film,
you can put Senja-fuda (a type of paper with the geigi’s or maiko’s name on it) on the film,
and put it in an original pouch.
And then
Many geigi and maiko perform their dances every April.
It is “Miyako Odori”.
You can also see the pathway where the geigi and maiko walked in the “Miyako Dori”!
Since it is a good opportunity!!
Let’s pretend to be a geigi or a maiko!
There are periods when the museum is closed to the public depending on the weather.
Please check before you go.
Hanamachi Art Museum
I definitely want to visit this spot!
Hanamachi Art Museum
Outline of the facility
[Open hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (last admission at 19:00)
[Closed] Wednesdays / Mid-March to early May, mid-October to mid-November / Year-end and New Year holidays
[Tickets] Available at the reception desk
[Admission] Adults: 1,600 yen / High school students and younger: 800 yen (400 yen for elementary and junior high school students on school excursion) / Preschool children: free
Show your disability certificate, etc. → Free admission for you and one caregiver.
(Must bring identification such as a student ID card or disability certificate)
Inquire for group discounts and advance purchase.
Separate fees are required for the performance of Kyomai dance and commemorative photo with Geisha and Maiko.
[Note from the museum: Luggage cannot be left in the museum.]
Luggage is not accepted. Please refrain from bringing large luggage such as suitcases. Entry may be restricted during busy times.
The second floor of the museum can be visited, but only by stairs. Please note that there are no elevators or escalators.
[Address] Yasaka Club, 570-2, Minamisagaruen-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
[Website URL] https://gion-museum.com/
[Instagram] https://www.instagram.com/gion_museum/
[Organizer] Gion Hanamachi Art Museum Executive Committee
Some contents may be suspended depending on the season. Please check the website for details.
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