At the end of the Edo period, Shimabara was one of the most expensive entertainment districts in Kyoto, filled with ageya, elegant restaurants providing refined parties with geisha and high class tayū courtesans.

Among all the Shimabara ageya, the most famous was Sumiya, a masterpiece of its kind… And fortunately for us, Sumiya survived until today, being designated as Important Cultural Property since 1952.

While visiting its glamorous interiors, with elaborate wooden carvings and expensive sliding doors painted by famous artists, you just need a bit of imagination to picture the lavish parties that once filled these rooms…

Sumiya, Shimabara, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Senso-ji Main Hall during the golden hour