This street, near Nomachi Hirokoji on Route 157, was called "Nishi (west) Chaya District", as opposed to "Higashi (east) Chaya District" of Higashiyama.   It is a uniquely elegant district, containing many Japanese-style restaurants and geisha houses.   The best seller Chijo (On the Earth), written by Shimada Seijiro, was set in this area.