Local Japan Guide

  🌸 Introduction When people abroad hear the word geisha , they often imagine mysterious women in white makeup and colorful kimono, gracefully entertaining guests in a world hidden from ordinary life. But when—and how—did geisha culture truly begin? Far from being an ancient relic, the world of geisha ( geiko in Kyoto) and their apprentices ( maiko ) continues to flourish today, especially in Kyoto’s historic hanamachi (geisha districts). To understand their enduring allure, we need to look back to the Edo period and trace how this sophisticated tradition of art and hospitality developed. 📖 Origins of Geisha: From Tea Houses to Performance The story of geisha begins in the mid-Edo period (18th century). In Kyoto, visitors to Yasaka Shrine were served tea and sweets by women working at mizuchaya (tea houses). Gradually, some of these women began performing songs, dances, and playing instruments to entertain travelers. As demand grew, teahouses competed to attract more cu...

When Did Sumo Begin? Sumo, often regarded as Japan’s national sport, has a history stretching back more than 1,500 years. In fact, Japan’s oldest chronicle, the Kojiki (compiled in 712), mentions sumo in a mythological contest of strength known as the “Transfer of the Land” story. Press enter or click to view image in full size From the Nara period onward, sumo was performed at the Imperial Court as a sacred ritual to predict harvests and pray for peace and prosperity. Later, during the Edo period , “ Kanjin-zumo ” matches were held to raise funds for temple and shrine repairs, making sumo increasingly popular among the common people. This period also shaped many of the rules and traditions that continue today. Because many matches were held at Ekō-in Temple in Ryōgoku, the area became the center of professional sumo. Today, the Ryōgoku Kokugikan (Sumo Hall) still stands as the sacred home of the sport. Rules and Highlights of Sumo A match is fought inside a 4.55m-diameter doh...

  When you hear the word   ninja , what comes to mind? Black-clad assassins? Shuriken and smoke bombs? While pop culture has shaped a thrilling image of ninjas, the reality is far more complex — and fascinating. Were Ninjas Real? Historically known as  shinobi , ninjas were covert agents in feudal Japan who specialized in espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and even assassination. They were often hired by powerful warlords (daimyō) to gather intelligence or carry out missions that required stealth and cunning. While some ancient texts claim that ninja-like figures existed as far back as the eras of Emperor Jimmu or Prince Shōtoku, credible records date their existence to the 14th century, during the Nanboku-chō period . The two most famous ninja regions are  Iga  (in present-day Mie Prefecture) and  Kōga  (in Shiga Prefecture), both near Kyoto and surrounded by mountains. These remote locations were ideal for developing unique survival skills and milit...