Discovering the Warmth of Kagurazaka Geisha
Many people, including foreign tourists, are pleasantly surprised when they talk to Kagurazaka geisha, remarking on how friendly and easy to talk to they are. It's only been seven months since I first met Kagurazaka geisha, but in that short time, I've had many opportunities to talk with them, and I'm always impressed by how wonderful they are. I'm also deeply grateful for the friendships I've built with them.
This photo shows the Kagurazaka geisha "Koyo" and a guest's one-year-old baby during an ozashiki asobi (a traditional geisha entertainment gathering). You can see the affectionate gaze of the geisha toward the baby, which illustrates just how "genuine" Kagurazaka geisha are. In their private lives, they display youthful energy and vitality. Of course, they never neglect the rigorous training of their art. In this blog, I will explain why conversations with Kagurazaka geisha are always so pleasant.
In a previous blog titled "Why Conversations with Artisans and Geisha are So Enjoyable: Let's Enjoy Talking with "Genuine People," I mentioned that conversations with artisans and geisha are always pleasant. This likely applies to geisha outside of Kagurazaka as well.
The reasons include ① passion and sincerity, ② expertise and skills, ③ self-realization and satisfaction, ④ humanity and warmth, and ⑤ unique perspectives and values. These qualities are common among artisans and geisha. Additionally, as geisha are in the hospitality business, their skills in smooth conversation make interactions particularly pleasant.
Although I haven't spoken to geisha from other regions, I might be biased, but I believe Kagurazaka geisha are even more "genuine (sincere)" compared to others. Having lived for over 50 years and conversed with various people worldwide, I find the level of pleasantness in conversations with Kagurazaka geisha to be exceptional.
Why are Kagurazaka Geisha "Genuine People"?
I think one reason why Kagurazaka geisha are "genuine (sincere) people" lies in the fan-patterned cobblestone alleys they walk on. It's said that the owners of the Ryotei restaurants laid these stones immediately after World War II. Originally, the roads were dirt, and the kimono would get dirty, especially on rainy days. To prevent this, cobblestones were laid to keep the customers' and geisha's kimonos clean.
The Significance of Fan Patterns in Kagurazaka's Cobblestone Paths
The fan pattern was chosen because fans are auspicious symbols in kabuki and Japanese dance, representing elegance. The cobblestone paths laid with fan patterns were intended to pray for the prosperity of the hanamachi (geisha district).
These cobblestones, laid with a spirit of "consideration," create a picturesque and "Iki" (sophisticated, refined) atmosphere in Kagurazaka. Walking these alleys filled with "consideration" and "Iki," it's possible that Kagurazaka geisha have unconsciously become "genuine people."
I once had the opportunity to speak with "Yumie," a veteran Kagurazaka geisha, about the history and hanamachi of Kagurazaka for nearly two hours. Born and raised in Kagurazaka, "Yumie" knows everything about the area. She has even appeared in TV dramas with Japan's renowned actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, teaching her manners and movement. She shared anecdotes about visiting Kagurazaka Ryotei restaurants with Yoshinaga.
People often prefer to choose younger geisha, but conversations with veteran geisha like "Yumie" offer the chance to learn directly about the history of the geisha district (hanamachi), Kagurazaka, and post-war Japan. Isn't this a precious experience? By requesting a veteran geisha during ozashiki asobi, you can enjoy their supreme performance and learn deeply about Japan through conversation. Such opportunities are rare. Please come and experience the essence of "Iki" in Kagurazaka.
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
Interesting! “Geishas” are sort of a mysterious occupation so this really makes me want to meet them in person!