also: はなまち
red-light district; geisha quarter
Refers to a district with geisha houses, teahouses, and sometimes brothels. Historically associated with licensed prostitution, but modern usage often focuses on geisha entertainment areas.
There are still many geisha in Kyoto's geisha quarters.
This area once flourished as a red-light district.
花街 traditionally refers to a geisha or entertainment quarter with historical, cultural connotations, while 歓楽街 is a broader modern term for nightlife districts.
red-light district; pleasure quarter
Standard kanji spelling for the reading かがい. The most common written form.
Rare reading of 花街; かがい is the standard reading.
Alternate kanji spelling, often read はなまち. Less common than 花街.
Compound of 花 (flower, beauty) and 街 (town, district), referring to the 'flower towns' where geisha and courtesans worked. The reading かがい is the on'yomi, while はなまち is the kun'yomi reading.