Old Photos of Japan rescues rare images of daily life in old Japan
Learn more about this project

70208-0016 - Brothel in Yoshiwara, Tokyo, 1890s

Tokyo 1890s
Yoshiwara Brothel

Artist	Unknown
Publisher	Unknown
Medium	Albumen Print
Period	Meiji
Location	Tokyo
Image No.	70208-0016
Purchase	Digital File
Author	Kjeld Duits

Women sit in the window of a Meiji period brothel in Yoshiwara, Tokyo’s well-known red light district.

For more in formation about Yoshiwara, read Tokyo 1900s • Yoshiwara Omon.

For other photos of prostitution in old Japan, see Prostitution.

see current map

The Google map shows where the entrance of Yoshiwara used to be located.

Published September 14, 2008
Updated December 4, 2021 7:36 AM

Reader Supported

Old Photos of Japan aims to be your personal museum for Japan's visual heritage and to bring the experiences of everyday life in old Japan to you.

To enhance our understanding of Japanese culture and society I track down, acquire, archive, and research images of everyday life, and give them context.

I share what I have found for free on this site, without ads or selling your data.

Your support helps me to continue doing so, and ensures that this exceptional visual heritage will not be lost and forgotten.

Thank you,
Kjeld Duits

support

Reference for Citations

Duits, Kjeld (December 4, 2021). Tokyo 1890s: Yoshiwara Brothel, OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN. Retrieved on April 18, 2026 (GMT) from https://www.oldphotosjapan.com/photos/404/yoshiwara-brothel

Explore More

Tokyo 1880s
Shintomiza Theater

People gathering in front of Tokyo’s legendary Shintomiza Theater (新富座), near Ginza and the Tsukiji Foreign Settlement.

Osaka 1929
Nakanoshima: Small Island, Big Dreams

Osaka’s brand-new heart in the 1920s, the government district on Nakanoshima. The imposing building in front is Osaka City Hall, completed in 1921 (Taisho 10). From here a modern Osaka was created.

Osaka 1920s
Tobita Red Light District

This early 20th century postcard shows brothels in the Tobita Yukaku (prostitution district) of Osaka.

Add Comment

There are currently no comments on this article.

Tokyo 1890sYoshiwara Brothel