The area around Yanagawa-cho, once known as the largest Geisha district in North Kanto, still retains its Showa-era retro townscape.

The tour concludes with bar hopping in this authentic dining district called "Yanagawa Village." A guide who knows the area well will introduce you to restaurants and points of interest. By experiencing Takasaki's nightlife, you can gain a deeper understanding of the popular culture in Japanese provincial cities.

Let's explore the hidden gems in the back alleys.

In 1872 (Meiji 5), the First Battalion of the Tokyo Garrison Infantry Third Regiment was stationed in the ruins of Takasaki Castle. This brought military personnel to Takasaki, leading to the opening of numerous traditional high-class Japanese restaurants.

Although the prosperity temporarily subsided, when the railway opened and fresh fish could be transported from the Nihonbashi fish market, the restaurants flourished again. As many people came and went, brothels appeared in the area, and Yanagawa-cho, at its center, developed into what could be called North Kanto's premier Geisha district.