Japan is famous for many reasons, but historically its Geishas and Samurai’s. They are the ones that makes this revered nation stand out from the crowd. Kyoto is one of the most famous places to experience temples, beautiful gardens and great number of museums. Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or treat yourself to an extravagant dinner experience, whereas Kakunodate, Hagi and Kanazawa are probably the best preserved former samurai districts, but let’s have a look in more depth which areas you can still see this historic culture, and how best to enjoy it.
Former Samurai Districts
The Samurai were responsible for looking after the Lord of their locality who traditionally lived in a castle. As such important figures in Japanese history, the Samurai were allowed to reside in mansions surrounding the castle. The most elegant and well-preserved of these can be found in the districts of Hagi, Kakunodate and Kanazawa.
Hagi
Hagi is one of the rare places that offer visible history in Japan. This castle town has white walls and wooden gate-fronted buildings and is located in the Jokamachi district of Hagi. Former Samurai residences can be found here, some of which are open to the public.
Kakunodate
Surrounded by infamous Japanese weeping willow and cherry trees that line the river bank, this small town in northern Akita is one of the places to find well preserved samurai houses. Many of them are still owned by the old samurai families but some are open to the public.
Kanazawa
Nagamachi, the former Samurai district of Kanazawa used to be home to the second wealthiest feudal realm, so the Samurai district is lavish. The Nomura Family Samurai House gets many visits every year. The Nomura family use to live in the house for 10 generations. It is famous for its tea-ceremony room, beautiful little garden and various artifacts of the Edo period as well as personal belongings of the Nomura family. The Inaba and the Marumo residences can be visited by the public.
Usuki
Although small, and often overlooked, the Usuki district harbours a picture perfect Samurai district along the 200 meter-longNioza Historical road. Since the 16th century Usuki has been a castle town that is surrounded by samurai residences and Buddhist temples. The residences are build in Edo Period style architecture.
Geisha Discricts
Traditional Geisha districts are characterised by the traditional teak wood tea houses where they would perform the sacred for the rich and powerful. Geishas were trained for years to complete this ceremony and went through all manner of pain to achieve the beauty that was so craved by those men. Powder white faces, pewter hair often layered with heavy wax to keep their intricate looks in place and fabulously intricate silk designs on flowing kymonos are the classic look of the Geisha.
Kyoto
Gion in Kyoto is the most famous of all Geisha districts probably due to the international best selling book, Memories of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Hanami-gojistreet is where the tea houses still sit, and at night you may catch a glimmer of a Geisha apprentice making her way home.
Chaya
Chaya in Kanazawa is one of several Geisha districts in the area. Two of these are open to the public, where you can arrange to watch the ceremony for yourself. Geishas are still performing for businessmen today in the other teahouses.
Thankfully the history of Japan’s rich culture is being preserved pretty well in the aforementioned locations, and if you were thinking of booking a tour to witness these experiences first hand, whether you want to stroll through at your leisure or take part in a ceremony yourself, Audley Travel offers some truly magical experiences to suit various desires.