Walk down the "Nishi Hoshasen You Road" that stretches from the North Exit of JR Hachioji Station towards northwest for around 5 minutes, enter the alleyway around the Naka-machi Park and you will find the elegant Kurobei Street.
Restaurants were built in the town as places for social gatherings and geishas flocked there in numbers to provide entertainment to guests at a banquet by singing and dancing.
Even in the present time, Hachioji's Hanamachi and Kurobei Street still have geisha houses to preserve the traditional culture of the town.
Geishas, along with textile makers, have begun to gradually decline in numbers. In order to keep the tradition alive, geishas are encouraged to take everyday practice and actively participate in regional events or gatherings such as "Hachioji Matsuri" where they show their abilities they polished day by day.
The geishas of Hachioji became known around the country when a drama that tells the story of Hachioji Karyu-kai and geishas titled "Tokyo West Side Monogatari" was aired on NHK in 2015.
You cannot ask for geisha performance by visiting a geisha houses without an appointment, but you can enjoy looking at the beautiful row stores and houses of Kurobei Street where you can feel the history of Hachioji.
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On foot: 5-minute walk through the Nishi Hoshasen You Road from the North Exit of JR Hachioji Station
