Now you can talk with authentic artisans, monks and geisha
The zen practice at 'Denchu-ji Temple' has been ongoing since 1628, the Kumihimo braiding experience at 'Domyo' since 1652, the Samurai Sword training at 'Mugairyu' since 1693, the 'Kagurazaka Geisha' since 1788, the ukiyo-e painting experience at 'Takahashi Studio' since 1855, and the dyeing experience at 'Some no Sato Ochiai Futabaen' since 1920.
Why not directly communicate with real artisans, monks, and geisha and immerse yourself in a history of approximately 400 years?
The History of Kagurazaka
These authentic experiences are offered in tours located near Edo Castle, established by the Tokugawa shogunate, in the Kagurazaka area.
Kagurazaka is located near Edo Castle, established by the Tokugawa shogunate, and boasts a history of over 400 years. Kagurazaka is a rare gem in Japan, encompassing various elements such as samurai residences, temple towns, entertainment districts, and shopping streets.
The rich history of Kagurazaka and its surrounding area, nurtured by various people, has given birth to exquisite traditional crafts and cultural practices.
Kagurazaka was originally built in the early 1600s as a road connecting the residence of the senior statesman Sakai Tadakatsu and the Ushigome gate of Edo Castle.
Kagurazaka developed as a temple town with Bishamonten (Zenkoku-ji) and Akagi Shrine and flourished as a pleasure quarter.
The Kagurazaka geisha district was established in the late Edo period. Its origin dates back to 1788, when an entertainment venue was created within a section of the Gyoganji temple grounds.
Blends the best of old traditions with new charms
In the Meiji era, it transformed into a town of commoners from a samurai residence area.
The town, spared from the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, gained fame as "Yamanote Ginza" and became one of Tokyo's leading entertainment districts.
In 1952, the Tokyo French Institute (now Institut Français de Tokyo) was built, receiving French cultural influences and sometimes referred to as Japan's "Montmartre."
Kagurazaka has become one of Japan's premier entertainment districts, with around 500 eateries and drinking establishments.
Thus, Kagurazaka uniquely blends the best of old traditions with new charms.