Kyoto Ichiriki Chaya, the story of a name

With a history of more than 300 years, Ichiriki Chaya is the most important ochaya ("tea house") in Kyoto. Throughout the history of Japan, many important events took place here, and it is worth to mention that this ochaya was involved in events related to the end of the Edo Period, and in the world famous Forty-seven Ronin story.

Actually even its name, Ichiriki, is related to the story of the Forty-seven Ronin. Originally, the establishment was called Yorozuya, written 万屋 and meaning "general store". But a theater play called Kanadehon Chūshingura, told the story of the Forty-seven Ronin, based on events that took place here, and in the play the name of the ochaya was changed by splitting the first kanji in 一 (ichi) and 力 (riki). The play was a huge success, and after that the owners decided to adopt the name from the play, hence Ichiriki...