OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN, a photo blog of Japan in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods

View Cart Old Photos of Japan
shows photos of Japan between the 1860s and 1930s. In 1854, Japan opened its doors to the outside world for the first time in more than 200 years. It set in motion a truly astounding transformation. As fate would have it, photography had just been invented. As the old country vanished and a new one was born, daring photographers took photos. Discover what life was like with their rare and precious photographs of old Japan.

What makes this site special?
Bookmark this site
Feeds for Old Photos of Japan: RSS and Atom
Coming Soon!
Advertising

Japanese Furniture
Asian-inspired furniture and kitchen cabinets from greentea design

Old Books on Japan
Find rare and collectible books on Japan at eBay!

Japanese Friends
Make friends or find your perfect love. 1.5 million+ members!

Good Book Tip
Photography in Japan 1853-1912 • Terry Bennett
Photography in Japan

Terry Bennett has been researching 19th century Japanese photography for over 25 years. In this masterpiece he tells us the story of photography in Japan, using 350 rare images. All the known photographers are introduced with details that you will have trouble finding anywhere else. THE best book about early Japanese photography.


Buy now at Amazon!
More book tips
Recent Comments  

Transport

70216-0042 -Taking on Coal # 70216-0042
Nagasaki 1910s • Taking on Coal
Taisho • •
Unknown • Postcard • Unknown
Manseibashi Station, Tokyo # 70222-0003
Tokyo 1920s • Manseibashi Station
Showa • •
Unknown • Postcard • Unknown
Nihonbashi, Tokyo # 71204-0002
Tokyo 1890s • Koamicho, Nihonbashi
Meiji • •
Kazumasa Ogawa • Collotype Print • Kazumasa Ogawa
Ueno Park Hill, Tokyo # 71204-0006
Tokyo 1890s • Streetcar in Ueno
Meiji • •
Kazumasa Ogawa • Collotype Print • Kazumasa Ogawa
Ginza # 80626-0005
Tokyo 1880s • Ginza Streetcar
Meiji • •
Kimbei Kusakabe • Albumen Print • Kimbei Kusakabe
Farmer with Loaded Horse # 70601-0021
1890s • Farmer with Loaded Horse
Meiji • •
Unknown • Albumen Print • Unknown
Japan. Kobe. Boats and Warehouses in Port (1930). # 80122-0004
Kobe 1930 • Warehouses in Port
Showa • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
Sailing Vessel and View of Fuji from Tagonoura # 70215-0004
Mount Fuji 1920s • Tagonoura, Shizuoka
Taisho • •
Unknown • Postcard • Unknown
Kago Bearers and Customer Taking a Break # 70606-0004
1890s • Kago Bearers Taking a Break
Meiji • •
Unknown • Albumen Print • Unknown
Cars and Street Cars on Ginza, Tokyo (May 1934). # 80122-0006
Tokyo 1934 • Traffic in Nihonbashi
Showa • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
Japan. Miyajima. Fishing Boats (1930). # 80121-0020
Miyajima 1930 • Fishing Boats
Showa • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
s.s. Malolo and other Steamers and Liners in Yokohama Harbor, Japan (October 1929). # 80121-0013
Yokohama 1929 • Ships in Port
Showa • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
Street Cars at Ginza, Tokyo # 70222-0004
Tokyo 1910s • Ginza
Taisho • •
Unknown • Postcard • Unknown
Steam Train Arriving at Osaka Station # 70209-0029
Osaka 1930s • Osaka Station
Showa • •
Unknown • Postcard • Taisho Hato