Nakano-chaya Teahouse in Nagasaki

One of two best historical pleasure houses in Maruyama

Takako Sakamoto Apr 04, 2015 - 2 min read

<p>Chikugoya Chubei established this prostitute house in Maruyama as a party space. It was called 'Chiyo-no Yado' (hotel of Chiyo).</p>

<p>This teahouse was well known throughout Japan, along with another prostitute house, Hikitaya Kagetsuro</p>

<p>In one corner of the garden stand a small inari (fox) shrine and the torii gate of Ukemochi Shrine</p>

<p>Winding stone steps inside the garden</p>

<p>The tall old pine tree looking dignified in this classic Japanese garden</p>

<p>This garden has characteristics of gardens in the mid Edo Period, in which pines are planted beside stone lanterns</p>

<p>A plum tree, nandina and Japanese andromeda are planted in front of the garden</p>

<p>Impressive moss-covered stone lantern</p>

<p>The pathway leading to the Netherlanders' settlement in Dejima Island, to which only the prostitutes of Maruyama were allowed to enter. I wonder if this is the original Dutch Slope (Oranda-zaka) in Maruyama?</p>

<p>I said good bye to the Japanese painting-like garden and exited the gate of Nakano-chaya Teahouse</p>

On 22nd of February 2015, after visiting the Scapegoat Tenjin Shrine I hiked up the slope and headed for the next destination, Nakano-chaya Teahouse!

It took me only a minute to reach the teahouse from Tenjin Shrine. When I passed through the gate, there were winding stone steps and a tall old pine tree looking down upon me. Next to the pine tree a dignified stone lantern stood. Nakano-chaya Teahouse was so famous there was even a folk song that said 'if you ever want to have fun, go to Kagetsu or Nakano-chaya. Knock on the back gate of Umezono (plum grove)...'. I could imagine how gorgeous and elegant it used to be when I saw the neat garden and buildings here. One regret was I couldn't explore enough where prostitutes strolled along the original Dutch Slope in Maruyama.

Exploring the Vicinity of Maruyama in Nagasaki 1. Scapegoat Tenjin Shrine in Nagasaki 2. Nakano-chaya Teahouse in Nagasaki

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...