Geisha House Atami

02/05/2026

The magnificent wisteria vines at Tokyo's Kameido Tenjin Shrine are centuries old. Carefully trained onto trellises, the purple blooms drip over the mirror of a grand pond which is traversed by two grand bridges. It's an easy day trip from Atami.
I enjoyed the moment when we were taking a video and a lady was confused by her phone in the cutest way," Eh, what's wrong? It's not on photo?" It must have been set to video.

20/04/2026

I've been reflecting on the luxurious feeling of wearing silk. There are many opportunities to buy gorgeous, second hand kimono in Japan, at a fraction of the price of a new one. The big problem is that most are a tiny size, made for past generations of dainty, Japanese women.
It is much easier for a tall person, like myself, to buy polyester kimono, but it lacks density and slips out. Causing bunching and sagging that is uncomfortable and unsightly. When I find real silk, it is a special moment. I love wearing this silk kimono, with a lush, bamboo pattern.
I'm glad that our friends encouraged us to attend an evening event at Izusan shrine. We listened to a talk by a Shinto priest about channeling the power of nature, sitting inside the sacred pavilion.
These experiences are always more special in silk.

15/04/2026

Geisha + cats 😺 👘
Muddy Cat is a bar with a uniquely Atami spirit. It is not a cat cafe, but it is a funky bar where the resident cats can choose to come downstairs and spend time with customers, if and when it suits them. A couple of the cats love walking across the bar and sitting on the stools.
The kind owners saved these kitties from the streets and they could not have found a better home.
Atami Geisha, Chizuho san, is well known to the cats, who love her; they ran straight to her when she arrived. It looks like she's telling a secret in this picture....

13/04/2026

Construction day! The original deck was much wider, but it was old, so we demolished it 3 years ago. We used new wood to make a narrower deck, because of the time it would take to build to the original size.
This week we are making it happen. The deck will be deeper, with a stepped design, leading down to the garden.
Bonus Millennial pop song with John's dancing.

#熱海

05/04/2026

What does $30 get you in Australia these days?
Rosemary, the most delightful little place in Atami, serves a multi course meal of French homestyle cuisine with a unique Japanese touch.
The gratin was very memorable, filled with sophisticated cheese and mushroom. We chose the finely sliced lamb and the pudding was in the classic, Japanese retro cafe tradition.

05/04/2026

夜桜 Geisha are said to be "Yozakura" cherry blossoms of the night; emerging in the evening, their feminine beauty set off against the darkness.
Piesta restaurant's spring party was the perfect event to view Geisha and the many Sakura trees of Atami's "Sakuragicho" or cherry blossom town.

03/04/2026

21/03/2026

Mongolia🇲🇳 Congratulations to the British School of Ulanbaatar, whose talented students displayed their artistic talents at the Mongol Gallery.
It was our great pleasure to share some of Atami's traditional culture with the children.
It was also fun to contrast the restrained elegance of a Geisha with the loud, colourful fun of Australian Pub Rock.

11/03/2026

Mongolia🇲🇳 The silver bowl has the power to heal; it is luxurious and is offered to guests, when they are invited into the home.
is a friend of Geisha House Atami, so we were deeply honoured to visit her family home in Darkhan. We had just finished a performance at the Darkhan Youth Theatre, so there was a special opportunity for Chizuho san to visit in her formal Geisha regalia. After seeing traditional Japanese dance, the family entertained us with their musical talents.

07/03/2026

Geisha House Atami in Mongolia🇲🇳

🇲🇳

25/02/2026

Our guests have been enjoying our exclusive Geisha experience with Chizuho san. The 🎎 Festival of Dolls is the best time for a Geisha party, because Chizuho san looks and dances like a doll come to life.

We are so grateful that a generous supporter gifted us this luxurious "Hinadan" doll set. This deluxe ensemble has all the accessories that the Emperor and Empress need to run a grand court; from attendants and musicians, to tea ceremony utensils, a tiny mirror and an ox cart to transport them around the kingdom. This set is from the famous, distinguished Kyugetsu doll maker family. The faces on these dolls are round and adorable. I'm lucky because I was gifted another set with mature, elegant faces.
Every day in Japan presents little treasures.

🎎