Hanamachi

A hanamachi (花街) is a Japanese courtesan and geisha district. The word's literal meaning is "flower town". Such districts would contain various "okiya" (geisha houses). Nowadays, the term "hanamachi" is commonly used in modern Japan to refer to the areas where modern-day geisha are still operating. In Kyoto's Gion district, however, the older term "kagai" [花街, an alternate pronunciation of the same "kanji".] is still in use. Alternatively, "kagai" can be used to refer to licensed red-light districts, which contained restaurants, "okiya", and "ochaya" (tea houses where geisha would entertain customers).

"Hanamachi" typically contained a number of "okiya" and "ochaya", along with a "kaburenjo"; the "kabunrenjo" was a meeting place for geisha, usually with a theatre, rooms where geisha classes can be held, and the "kenban" offices, which dealt with geisha's pay, regulation and similar matters. Gion also has a vocational school, called "Nyokoba". Many of the teachers there are designated as Living National Treasures. Today, "hanamachi" are rare outside of Kyoto.

Hanamachi

Kyoto hanamachi

* Gion (Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi)
* Miyagawachō
* Kamishichiken
* Pontochō
* Shimabara

Tokyo hanamachi

* Shinbashi
* Akasaka
* Asakusa
* Yoshichō
* Kagurazaka
* Mukojima

Hanamachi near Tokyo

* Hachiōji

Areas historically renowned as "hanamachi"/"kagai"

* Torimori
* Shintomichō
* Fukagawa
* Maruyamachō
* Yanagibashi
* Nakano Shinbashi

Yoshiwara was the Tokyo courtesans' district and is sometimes referred to as a "hanamachi".

Hanamachi in Osaka

* Kita Shinchi
* Minami Shinchi
* Shinmachi

= Hanamachi in Kanazawa =

* Higashi Chaya
* Nishi Chaya

References