also: はなまち
noun
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.
京都の花街には今でも多くの芸妓がいる。
There are still many geisha in Kyoto's geisha quarters.
かつてこの辺りは花街として栄えていた。
This area once flourished as a red-light district.
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.