also: みずちゃや
noun
Edo-period roadside teahouse for relaxation
Historical term for a type of teahouse in the Edo period where customers could rest and enjoy tea, distinct from 色茶屋 (teahouses offering sexual services) and 料理茶屋 (restaurant-style teahouses).
江戸時代、旅人は街道沿いの水茶屋で一服した。
In the Edo period, travelers rested at roadside water teahouses.
水茶屋は色茶屋や料理茶屋とは異なり、純粋に休息の場だった。
Unlike brothel teahouses or restaurant teahouses, water teahouses were purely places for relaxation.
Compound of 水 (water) and 茶屋 (teahouse), referring to a simple teahouse serving tea and water for refreshment.