, pronounced locally as Kamihichiken, is a district of northwest Kyoto, Japan. It is the oldest hanamachi (geisha district) in Kyoto, and is located just east of the Kitano Tenman-gū shrine. The name Kamishichiken literally means "Seven Upper Houses". These refer to the seven teahouses built from the equipment and material left over from the rebuilding of the Kitano Shrine in the Muromachi era (1333–1573).
Kamishichiken is located in Kyoto's Nishijin area, which is known for traditional hand-woven textiles. The quiet streets of Kamigyō-ku are made up of dark wooden buildings, mainly (teahouses) and (geisha houses).Downer, Lesley. (2001). Women of the Pleasure Quarters: The Secret History of the Geisha. Broadway Books. Unlike the other remaining districts, which are located close to the city center, Kamishichiken is further away, and accordingly significantly quieter and attracts fewer tourists. The geisha of this district are known for being subtle and demure, few in number but each highly accomplished dancers and musicians.Dalby, Liza Crihfield (1983). Geisha. Berkeley, California, United States: University of California Press. There are approximately 25 (apprentice geisha) and geisha in Kamishichiken, along with 11 teahouses.
The district crest is a ring of skewered (sweet dumplings). On lanterns they appear as red circles on white paper (as opposed to Gion, which uses a similar design, but with the reverse colors – white on a red background).
Events Plum Blossom Festival () On February 25, the is held at Kitano Tenman-gū. In addition to the plum blossoms, the festival features an open-air , where tea and (traditional sweets) are served to 3,000 guests by geisha and .Baika-sai (Plum Festival) , Kyoto Travel GuideOpen-Air Tea Ceremony with the Scent of Plum Blossoms: Plum Blossom Festival at Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine , Kyoto Shimbun, 2007-02-25
Kitano Odori
The annual district-wide dance, the , is performed in April in the distinctive style of dance, sometimes called Kitano Kabuki.Sohara, Miyuki (Director). Hannari: Geisha Modern [Film-Documentary, Foreign]. Japan: Hannari Geisha Modern, LLC.
Beer garden , a beer garden is open to the public at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre during summer months, and offers a unique chance to be served by and geisha from July 1 until August 31 (from 6 pm until 10 pm); it also features traditional dances by the geisha in the evening.Geisha gardens in Kyoto , 12 Jul 2010 – contact information
See also in Kyoto (the ): Gion Kobu Gion Higashi Ponto-chō Miyagawa-chō Shimabara (defunct)
References
External links
Kamishichiken maiko Ichimame's blog Asahi Shimbun: Hits keep coming for Web-savvy 'maiko' Daily Yomiuri: Kyoto's maiko promote culture via Web Kitano Tenman-gū (北野天満宮) Nakazato Ochaya, operated by the Kamishichiken geiko Naosuzu Flower Towns and Maiko