AreaNear Miyagi
Somaro Geisha House
相馬楼 | Somaro
A historic geisha house where you can meet maiko and watch them dance
Photo by Somaro
AreaNear Miyagi
相馬楼 | Somaro
A historic geisha house where you can meet maiko and watch them dance
Photo by Somaro
Long ago, geisha culture made its way north to Sakata, Yamagata. Here in Sakata, in an old neighborhood of temples and tile-roofed buildings, the red exterior of Somaro hints at the wonder inside. At Somaro, guests can experience the hospitality of real maiko geisha, a coveted experience long accessible only to the wealthy or those with elite social connections.
Somaro
The Somaro building itself has a long history dating back to the Edo period, and is the perfect setting to forget modern worries and bask in Edo-period luxury. A self-guided tour of the building reveals a not only a glimpse into the life of maiko, but also sheds light on the female historical presence in a country where the historical record all too often focuses on the conquests of male samurai warriors. In one room, pictures of geisha from those lost eras are displayed, kindling the wonder of being able to meet one in the modern day.
Sarah F. Jones
Somaro maiko train in all the traditional geisha arts, such as dance, shamisen, kimono dressing, tea ceremony, and the iki that fills their every gesture with grace. They welcome each visitor to Somaro with a warm smile. Though Japanese hospitality in general is quite well-regarded, there is something extra special about being greeted by a geisha, an extravagance hearkening back to the Edo period.
Somaro
Somaro offers three different ways to experience the unique ometenashi, or Japanese hospitality, offered by the maiko here. Understanding the modern mind, no matter which option guests choose, they will have an opportunity to meet the maiko and take pictures together with them to commemorate the experience.
Sarah F. Jones
The first option is the Maiko Cafe: Guests select a beverage or sweets from the cafe menu, and a maiko will personally bring their order. The menu offers Japanese wagashi sweets, matcha, coffee, and other beverages, all reasonably priced. The traditional tatami room serving as the cafe space is a nice place to relax.
Wesley Keppel-Henry
The second option is to watch the daily maiko performance: Every performance offers a line-up of three or more traditional dances, dances which have been passed down over hundreds of years. All are performed with grace and character, with live musical accompaniment.
The third option is the most luxurious and intimate: In a tatami room on the upper floor of the geisha house, guests can enjoy lunch followed by a semi-private maiko dance performance. The menu offers three lunch options: chirashizushi, unajuu, or a luxurious kaiseki-inspired bento. Accommodations can be made for those with dietary restrictions if requested at the time of reservation.
Wesley Keppel-Henry
Last Update
March 17, 2020
Near Miyagi
Tags
ADDRESS
Hiyoshi-cho 1-2-20, Sakata-shi, Yamagata-ken 998-0037
ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
20-minute walk from Sakata Station (Uetsu Line)
ADMISSION
Entrance fee: ¥1,000 adults, ¥500 students junior high to college, children ages elementary school & younger free
Entrance fee + maiko dance performance: ¥1,800 adults, ¥1,000 students junior high to college, children ages elementary school & younger free
CREDIT CARDS
Accepted
LANGUAGES
English
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE
No
HOURS
10:00–17:00
RESERVATION
Maiko cafe & daily dance performance: Not necessary
Semi-private dance performance & lunch package: Required by 16:00 at least 2 days in advance. Available for parties of 2 or more.
CLOSED DAYS
Wednesdays, Obon holiday period, New Year's holiday period
PHONE
0234-21-2310
NON-SMOKING
Yes