Black Fence Street

Hachioji Entertainment District Walking Course

Route:

JR Hachioji Station North Exit → Black Fence Street Entrance (approx. 500m)
Black Fence Street Entrance → Soto Terrace (approx. 100m)
Soto Terrace → Machinaka Rest Area Hachioji-juku (approx. 70m)
Machinaka Rest Area Hachioji-juku → Hachioji Entertainment Association (approx. 90m)

Backstreets Filled with Edo Charm, a Town Steeped in History and Tradition

From the North Exit of JR Hachioji Station, walk straight along Nishihoshasen Euro Road, and you’ll reach Nakamachi Park. To your left, you’ll find Black Fence Street, the entrance to the Hachioji entertainment district, the only place in the Tama region where geisha are still active.

A Japanese Heritage Site of Hachioji to Cherish and Preserve Forever

As you walk along Black Fence Street, you’ll soon find an okiya (geisha house) on your right, exuding a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

In Hachioji City, there are six okiya and approximately 13 geisha, who continue to preserve and share traditional culture to this day.

Atmospheric Backstreets with Black Fences and Swaying Willows

On the left side of Black Fence Street, you can admire the beautiful karensansui-style (dry landscape) garden and black fences.

Here, you’ll also find a rare kamiyui-dokoro (traditional hairdressing salon), an essential part of the work for Hachioji geisha.

A Sake Brewery Appears Amid Streets Preserving the Culture of Soto

Walking along Black Fence Street and turning right at the end, you’ll find Naka-dori, a street rich in history and culture.

Amid the traditional townscape, a small sake brewery appears, created by renovating an old Japanese restaurant.

It’s a place where you can discover a new charm of Hachioji.

Soto Terrace in Nakamachi, Hachioji, continues to share its timeless charm amidst the changing eras.

As you walk along Naka-dori, with its swaying willows, you’ll come across the traditional Japanese spot, Soto Terrace.

On weekends, a variety of events are held, offering opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of Hachioji’s entertainment district, which has thrived since ancient times through the textile industry. These events include:

Public practice performances where you can meet the Hachioji geisha
Shows of the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo, a designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) performances

Additionally, you can enjoy dining options such as lunch, drinks, and sweets at the various shops located in the area.

A Sense of History and Tranquility for Your Journey

Turn right at the intersection just before the entrance to Soto Terrace, and after walking a short distance, you’ll find Machinaka Rest Area Hachioji-juku on your left.

This free rest area was created to provide a relaxing space for visitors to the city center. It is based on the history of Hachioji-juku, which flourished during the Edo period as a rest stop for travelers heading to Edo, Mount Takao, or Mount Fuji.

Inside the facility, you can find restrooms, a powder room, baby-friendly amenities, and free Wi-Fi.

Geisha Dressed in Elegant Attire Performing on the Shamisen

Exiting the entrance of Machinaka Rest Area Hachioji-juku, you return to Naka-dori, where Soto Terrace is located.

Continuing straight past Soto Terrace, you’ll notice on your left a shutter art piece depicting a geisha cat looking back under a willow tree.

The building with this striking artwork is the Hachioji Entertainment Association. If you’re lucky, you might hear the sounds of shamisen or taiko drum practice coming from inside.

Note: You cannot enter the building.

Category	History & Culture
Area	Hachioji Station Area
Facility Description	The black fences are remnants of the “entertainment district” (hanamachi), which once had more than 200 geisha. Even today, around 20 geisha continue to uphold this tradition.
URL	https://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kurashi/sangyo/003/004/p034178.html
Map
Access	About a 5-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Hachioji Station, passing through Nishihoshasen Euro Road.