Shimabara (嶋原) (often simplified to 島原, sometimes styled 嶌原), established in 1640, was the designated red light district (yūkaku) in Kyoto.

[1] Tayū, who never disappeared entirely from Shimabara, were allowed to register as a special type of geisha following the outlawing of prostitution, and continue to perform in the district to this day.

Before the establishment of Shimabara, earlier courtesan districts were established: first Second street willow town (二条柳町) in nijō made no kōji (二条万里小路) in 1589, with the permission of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which was moved to Sixth street (六条) when the Edo period started, which was then moved to Shimabara in 1640/41.

The Meiji restoration and resulting move of the imperial court to Tokyo caused economic difficulties to many traditional businesses in Kyoto that catered to the aristocracy.

The dance hall was established in 1873, moved to another location in 1927, but after World War II (post-1945) it was instead used as offices and was eventually torn down in 1996.

[4] The main gate at the east and the two tea houses (Wachigaiya and Sumiya) form the three main attractions; though a few additional sights remain – a shrine, a historical ginkgo tree (and associated shrine), and stone markers (seven in all), mostly indicating ruins (such as the remains of the former west gate, where the dance hall once stood, etc.).

It is the only remaining former ageya (a restaurant and establishment for entertainment in the pleasure quarters) and is the largest machiya in Kyoto.

In addition to housing many fine paintings, it was a salon for noted haiku poets, and many poems are preserved in the archives.

The second floor features three linked front rooms, each of different designs; these could be connected by removing the doors for larger parties.

In the past this provided a view of the western mountains and Arashiyama, though it is now blocked by the JR line and, hence, covered by trees.

Violent incidents occurred – a leader was about to be murdered on one occasion (later on the way back to their home, he was assassinated), while on another a member of the force slashed at the pillars out of anger pressed for delinquent payment, leaving three gouges, which remain to this day.

Shimabara is located in what is now the ward of Shimogyō-ku, on a short stretch of Hanayachō Street (花屋町通), which runs east-west.