In the beginning of the 20th century, there used to be only two geisha* schools existed throughout the country; one was in Kyoto and the other one was in Izu Nagaoka Onsen Spa.
However, the geisha school in Izu Nagaoka Onsen Spa was closed in 1987.
*Geisha is a traditional Japanese female entertainer who act as professional hostess and have high skills of performing various arts such as traditional Japanese music, dance, and conversation.
Geisha may gracefully flirt with their clients, although they are not prostitutes.
Geisha has several different ways of calling; “Geigi” or “Geisha” are called in the Kanto region of Japan, and “Geiko” is called in Kansai region.
Apprentice Geisha is called “Hangyoku”, but in Kyoto, “Hangyoku” is called “Maiko”.
The pleasure district where “Geisha” works is called “Flower Town (Hanamachi)” that contains various “Geisha house (Okiya)” and “Teahouses (Ochaya)”.
The world of the Geisha in Japanese is called “Karyukai” that was distinguished from the ordinary world.
In the “Flower Town (Hanamachi)”, Geisha and Oiran** existed together.
**”Oiran” were courtesans who provided entertainments, companionship and intellectual stimulation as well as sex in Japan.
In order to become an oiran, a woman had to be educated in a range of skills, including the traditional Japanese arts.
This is the reason that “Oiran” are distinguished from ordinary prostitutes.
The number of geisha in Izu Nagaoka Onsen Spa was used to be around 400, however it was dramatically decreased.
Maintaining the traditional Geisha culture was not easy, after all.
The local organization “Izu Nagaoka Kenban” tries to maintain the geisha culture.
This organization coordinates a public event showing the rehearsal of traditional dance for sharing the Geisha culture with tourists.
*“Kenban” is a place for office and training room, in general.
Because this event is held irregularly, please contact with the “Izu Nagaoka Kenban” for the time schedule and the ticket’s price.
Izu Nagaoka Kenban Tel: 055-947-1355
