Kanazawa is a city that has inherited traditional crafts and performing arts from the feudal domain period, and it is where traditions, including Geisha, are still alive.

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In Kanazawa, locals refer to Geisha as Geiko or more frequently, Geiko-san.

 

The Geiko district culture has a long history and the official district layout was established in 1820, during the reign of the 12th lord of the domain: Maeda Narinaga. For a long time, the city has remained untouched by the damage of wars and natural disasters, making it possible for the city to preserve its historical treasures including the three Chaya-gai ( Geiko districts ) with the traditional ochaya (Geiko house) architecture.  Kanazawa is a rare city in Japan to preserve the traditional Chaya-gai and Geiko culture that are still active in the modern time.

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Today, in the three Chaya-gai of Higashi, Nishi and Kazue-machi, Geiko in Kanazawa continue to refine their artistic abilities while transmitting a wealth of the traditional cultures to future generations.

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Being a Geiko is a dedicated job, and Geiko-san are all professional performing artists.

Kanazawa attracts young women from other parts of Japan, who choose to become a Geiko, a talented traditional performing artist.