Niigata Furumachi Geigi（Geisha） ～Enjoy the traditional culture of Niigata City～

Welcome to Niigata

The Furumachi area is one of japan’s most famous geisha districts. With 200 years of history, the Niigata Furumachi Geigi are animportant cultural legacy from Niigata’s past as a port city.
We hope you’ll visit Niigata’s traditional Ryotei restaurants to savor fine local cuisine, history, and the captivating performances of Geigi dressed in lavish kimono.

Traditional Culture from the Port City of Niigata – Niigata Furumachi Geigi

The origins of the Niigata Furumachi Geigi go back nearly 200 years, to the Edo period. Niigata was flourishing as a major port-of-calland trade town on the Kitamaebune sea route. In time, a Geisha district formed, and Niigata’s Furumachi Geigi came to entertain guests with elegant performances.
Geigi are both a vital part of Niigata’s traditional heritage, and the symbol of the Furumachi Geisha District, where atmospheric streetsof traditional Ryotei restaurants serve fresh, seasonal cuisine together with Japan’s best rice and local saké.

Ozashiki Uta (Geigi Songs)

Representative Geigi songs include: The “Niigata Okesa,” which was brought by mariners traveling the Kitamaebune trade routes; “Minato Odori,” which was created as a prayer for the prosperity of Niigata’s port; “Shiki no Niigata,” which was written by Yaso Saijo and composed by Shimpei Nakayama during the Shin Minyo (“new folk song”) boom that started in the 1920s; and the “Niigata Kouta,” written by Hakushu Kitahara and made into a song to celebrate the completion of the 3rd Bandai Bridge. The Niigata Kouta contains a line that means, “Across the waves of the Sea of Japan, let our two shores prosper together.”

First Time Visitors Welcome—No Introductions Necessary

Almost all Ryotei in Niigata are open to first-time visitors, so there is no reason to worry about introductions.
It is not uncommon for couples or women to reserve Geigi for special occasions. Additionally, guests do not need to know any special manners to visit a Ryotei, so there is no need to feel anxious or embarrassed. If you have any questions or concerns, please just askyour server.
Geigi not only create an enjoyable atmosphere by performing and leading diners in traditional games but also speak in a gentle and charming Niigata dialect. We hope you will enjoy your Ryotei experience.