noun
brothel disguised as a tea house
Historical term for an establishment that operated as a brothel while outwardly appearing to be a tea house, inn, or restaurant. Used in Edo-period contexts.
江戸時代には、曖昧茶屋と呼ばれる店が遊郭の外にも存在した。
In the Edo period, establishments called 曖昧茶屋 existed even outside the licensed pleasure quarters.
Compound of 曖昧 (aimai, 'ambiguous, vague') and 茶屋 (chaya, 'tea house'), referring to a tea house whose true nature is ambiguous. The reading ぢゃや reflects historical kana usage (historical ぢ for modern じ).