Kamishichiken 上七軒

Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest of it’s five hanamachi, “flower towns” (geisha districts), just east of the Kitano Tenman-gū shrine; built in 947 A.D. The name “Kamishichiken” literally means “seven houses in the north”. It’s said the name is derived from the seven O-chaya (tea houses) built in the Muromachi era (1333 – 1575) with the leftover material from the reconstruction of the Kitano shrine.

Kamishichiken is located in the Nishijin area of Kyoto, which is famously known for it’s beautiful hand-woven textiles. The streets of Kamishichiken, which are made up of dark, wooden machiya (houses), mainly O-chaya and O-kiya (geisha households). The nights are rarely being interrupted of it’s silence by the sliding of the O-chaya’s doors as the Maiko step out onto the streets with their okobo (wooden clogs) which seem to whisper softly “kobo, kobo, kobo” as they head back to the O-kiya.

The Geisha of this district are known for being well accomplished dancers, musicians and for the famous “Ichi” teahouse, (Home of maiko Ichimame which has her own blog), along with it’s other fourteen. It is home to twenty three maiko and geiko with names usually starting with Ichi-, Nao-, Katsu-, Ume-, etc.

During the month of February when all of it’s plum tree’s are in full bloom, held at Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine, is the Baika sai (open air tea ceremony). People will have the chance to be served Matcha (powdered green tea) during the tea ceremony by it’s local geisha. And later on during the month of April, the maiko and geiko of the district perform the Kitano O-dori (kitano dance).

Near the shrine, which is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the Kitano O-dori is held. Which is a performance of traditional songs and music by the Geiko of Kamishichiken. It has been performed since 1952. Constant practice of their skills like shamisen, drums, ko-uta (form of singing), etc. is needed for these dances. The maiko and geiko will use O-dori recitals to show off their skills, and also as entertainment for others.