Changes

*''Built: [[1820]]''

*''Built: [[1820]]''

*''Designation: Important Cultural Property''

*''Designation: Important Cultural Property''

Another important point is seen in the ''[[menkawabashira]]''<ref>"[http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/m/menkawabashira.htm Menkawabashira]]." JAANUS. Accessed 5 December 2009.</ref> pillars which can be found around the building. They have four planed sides, but the corners are left natural, with the bark still on them; they were then lacquered in deep color. ''[[Bengara]]''-colored earthen walls, golden objects and the like were placed according to a definite plan, creating an elegant and refined look to the rooms.

Another important point is seen in the ''[[menkawabashira]]''<ref>"[http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/m/menkawabashira.htm Menkawabashira]]." JAANUS. Accessed 5 December 2009.</ref> pillars which can be found around the building. They have four planed sides, but the corners are left natural, with the bark still on them; they were then lacquered in deep color. ''[[Bengara]]''-colored earthen walls, golden objects and the like were placed according to a definite plan, creating an elegant and refined look to the rooms.

The first floor contained the geishas' private quarters, kitchen, and other private areas, while the rooms for entertaining guests were all located on the second floor. An inner garden (''[[tsuboniwa]]'') allows light in and air to circulate, while also providing a pleasant view for guests to enjoy.

A large door called an ''[[odo|ôdo]]'' lays at the entrance. This would have been kept open during business hours, and closed to secure the entrance at other times. A regular-sized door cut into the ''[[keyaki]] ôdo'' allowed for access at these times.

The kitchen was equipped with a well,  

The first floor contained the geishas' private quarters, kitchen, and other private areas, while the rooms for entertaining guests were all located on the second floor. A set of stairs immediately before the ''genkan'' allowed guests to go straight to the second floor after entering.

Narrow corridors provided access to the various rooms without disturbing other guests; a second staircase served the same purpose, allowing guests to come and go discreetly. As in most traditional Japanese spaces, sliding ''[[fusuma]]'' doors could be opened or closed to create larger or smaller spaces, as necessary for a given occasions. As in most geisha houses, the room furthest to the rear of the building was for the most important guests.

 

 

 

Upstairs, narrow corridors provided access to the various rooms without disturbing other guests; a second staircase served the same purpose, allowing guests to come and go discreetly. As in most traditional Japanese spaces, sliding ''[[fusuma]]'' doors could be opened or closed to create larger or smaller spaces, as necessary for a given occasions. With all of the ''fusuma'' closed, the house held five rooms, plus one more in the back. The walls in some of the rooms are painted with ''bengara'', the beams, shelves, and other wooden elements [[lacquer]]ed, for a lavish and sensual experience.

 

The extra room, known as the ''hanare'' ("removed [room]"), located in the rear of the house and overlooking the garden, was, as was typical for geisha houses, reserved for the most important guests. At Shima, the 'hanare'' is the only room where the beams are not lacquered, but are natural wood, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.

 

The area directly over the main staircase lacks a ceiling, extending up higher to the roof beams. This allows light to come in, and sound to escape, so that it does not reverberate through the house, disturbing other guests.

==References==

==References==

*Plaque on-site.

*Plaque on-site.

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