Apr 4, 2015 - 1 min read

Nakano-chaya Teahouse in Nagasaki

One of two best historical pleasure houses in Maruyama

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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

This teahouse was well known throughout Japan, along with another prostitute house, Hikitaya Kagetsuro

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

The tall old pine tree looking dignified in this classic Japanese garden

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

A plum tree, nandina and Japanese andromeda are planted in front of the garden

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?

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

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