Wachigaiya, Historic teahouse in Shimabara, Japan.
Wachigaiya is a two-story ochaya in Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, displaying wooden latticed patterns and a tiled roof typical of Edo-period construction. Inside, the building retains furnishings and room fittings from that era, including low tables and folding screens that convey the character of a traditional entertainment venue.
The ochaya opened in 1688 as a gathering spot for geisha and their companions in the licensed pleasure quarter of Shimabara. The building survived several fires and renovations and received Cultural Property status, ensuring its survival in the city center to this day.
The teahouse preserves its role as a stage for geiko and maiko who present classical dance and music here, carrying forward the arts of Shimabara. Guests experience these performances in rooms where folding screens and tatami mats keep alive the atmosphere of the old pleasure quarters.
The building stands near the main gate of the Shimabara quarter and can be visited by prior arrangement. The tours explain the layout of rooms and show original items, helping you understand how each space was used.
A gas lamp bearing the linked circle emblem of the house marks the entrance and recalls the time when gas lighting was new to Kyoto. This beacon became one of the few remaining symbols of the old pleasure quarters and today serves as a landmark for visitors.
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