In the Showa period, Shimabara became deserted, and almost every Okiya or ochaya (literally "teahouse" which refers to places where geisha entertain their guests) closed a business; Wachigaya still continues their business until now, and its building is designated as Kyoto Culture Foundation.
なお、昭和になって島原が衰退し、ほとんどの全ての置屋やお茶屋が廃業したが、輪違屋は現在も唯一営業を続けており、建物は京都市文化財に指定されている。