Shinbashi
The Shinbashi Geisha district extends from Higashi-Ginza to the Tsukiji district. It is composed of high-end restaurants (ryotei and chaya) and geisha establishments (okiya). The name Shinbashi (“new bridge”) refers to a bridge across the former Shiodome River, which was built as part of an early urban development project during the final years of the Edo period (1603-1867). The name Shinbashi came to be used to refer to the 8th Ginza district (ginza hacchome), an area associated with elegance and westernization. Similarly, Shinbashi Geisha may be considered relatively modern yet elegant.
Working as a Geisha
Each Shinbashi Geisha belongs to a particular geisha establishment (okiya). They are often invited by ryotei restaurants to perform at banquets. They are called geisha (“art person”) because they are masters of many traditional arts. In Shinbashi, where the arts are highly valued, geisha often specialize in one art form, but practice a variety, such as: tea ceremony, Japanese-style painting, kyogen (a type of traditional theater), ko’uta (a type of traditional ballad), and haiku.
Geisha are divided into two groups: tachikata who dance, and jikata who sing and play musical instruments. In Shinbashi three schools of dance are taught: Hanayagi school, Onoe school, and Nishikawa school. Tachikata specialize in one of these schools and receive direct training from one of the three iemoto (head of the school). This special environment reflects Shinbashi’s prosperous art scene. There are also two types of traditional music taught in Shinbashi: nagauta and kiyomoto. Jikata specialize in one of them and are taught shamisen, singing, and background music (joruri). In addition, iemoto of the Fukuhara school teaches the drums, flute, and hayashi style taiko.
The Difference between Geisha and Maiko
Geisha (“art person”) are highly skilled in traditional arts, such as music, singing and dancing. Girls who are in training to become a geisha are called hangyoku (“half jewel”). In comparison, geisha in Kyoto are usually referred to as geiko (“art child”) and their trainees are called maiko (“dancing child”). Therefore Tokyo’s hangyoku can be considered the equivalent to Kyoto’s maiko.
* Different from Kyoto and other Hanamachi, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to become a geisha in Shinbashi. In addition, those under 20 years of age must have parental consent.
Ryotei Restaurants
Ryotei are high-end restaurants which serve traditional cuisine in private tatami rooms. There is more to a ryotei restaurant than just food – a carefully cultivated garden, beautiful floral arrangements, and exquisite works of art. The food is usually offered in courses, and through the presentation of dishes one can tell the prowess and experience of the chef. Furthermore, the ryotei restaurants in Shinbashi also provide geisha performances to entertain customers with music and dance.
Shinkiraku
Address: 4-6-7 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
This long-established ryotei restaurant has been located in Tsukiji since 1898. It is also known as a selection site for the Akutagawa and Naoki Prizes.
Kanetanaka
Address: 7-18-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Since our establishment in Kobiki-cho, we have cherished the challenging spirit of the Shinbashi Karyukai. In keeping with the spirit of the founder of the restaurant, Kanetanaka’s cuisine is based on the concept of “kuikiri“ parlor dish, which means to make the best use of seasonal ingredients.
Tokyo-Kitcho
Address: 8-17-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Since our establishment in 1930, we have been striving to provide the best Japanese cuisine in the world, based on the spirit of hospitality of the tea ceremony. Tokyo Kitcho Honten will be closed from February 2021. We will continue to accept delivery of boxed lunches, catering, and other services. Please check our website for details.
Yonemura
Address: 7-17-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Yonemura is an Edo kappo restaurant that has been dedicated to the “taste of Edo” and has passed on its inelegant spirit and traditional flavors since 1929. We strive to provide everyone with a chance to experience and enjoy Japanese food culture.
Matsuyama
Address: 7-16-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Matsuyama was founded in 1949 by the previous proprietress. In 2007, her granddaughter took over as proprietress.
Wanofu
Address: 4-2-10 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
Our former ryotei restaurant “Tsuwa” has been reborn as “wanofu”, a fugu-ryotei. We challenge ourselves to provide authentic taste and heartwarming hospitality.