noun
Refers to the land along a river. Often used in contrast with 川岸 (かわぎし), which is more common in everyday speech.
See also: 川岸 (かわぎし)
河岸に沿って桜が植えられている。
Cherry trees are planted along the riverbank.
noun
riverside market; fish market by the river
Historically referred to a market set up on a riverbank, especially a fish market. Now somewhat dated, but still understood in historical or local contexts.
江戸時代には河岸で魚の競りが行われていた。
In the Edo period, fish auctions were held at the riverside market.
noun
Slang-like extension meaning a place for activities, often used in set phrases like 河岸を変える (change venues). Not used as a general word for 'place'.
そろそろ河岸を変えて二次会に行こう。
Let's change venues and go to the after-party.
川岸 is the more common, everyday word for 'riverbank'. 河岸 is slightly more formal or literary, and also carries the extended meanings of 'market' and 'venue'.
Compound of 河 (river) and 岸 (bank, shore). The market sense derives from the historical practice of setting up markets on riverbanks. The 'venue' sense is a slang extension from the market meaning.