Old Photos of Japan

An oiran (花魁, high class courtesan) of the yūkaku (遊郭, red light district) of Yoshiwara in Tokyo. Her kimono and hairstyle may be gorgeous, but her life could be harsh.
Children observe a traveling monkey trainer and his highly trained Japanese macaque monkey during a sarumawashi (猿回し) performance on the street.
Do you drink green tea for its health benefits? You can thank Japanese biochemist Michiyo Tsujimura (辻村みちよ, 1888–1969), Japan’s first female doctor of agriculture.
People are posing on the arched bridge at Kameido Tenjin, a celebrated shinto shrine in Tokyo. The pond is framed by an extended trellis with light purple wisteria.

Most popular

See all popular
NewWhat is Old Photos of Japan?AboutAbout
Old Photos of Japan Newsletter

Most popular

See all popular

Old Photos of Japan

Exploring everyday life in old Japan through vintage images from the 1850s~1960s.
Sites
Old Photos of JapanYour personal museum for Japan’s visual heritage.
Old Japan ShopMuseum quality fine art prints from photos and prints of old Japan.
MeijiShowaLicense unique views of old Japan.
Publish on Substack
Old Photos of Japan is on Substack – the place for independent writing