Yoshiwara (吉原) was a famous yūkaku (red-light district) in Edo, present-day Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1617, Yoshiwara was one of three licensed and well-known red-light districts created during the early 17th century by the Tokugawa shogunate, alongside Shimabara in Kyoto in 1640 and Shinmachi in Osaka.

Where is Yoshiwara today?

of Tokyo Today, Yoshiwara corresponds to the Taito district in the city of Tokyo. At first glance, Yoshiwara today looks similar to many other modern Tokyo neighborhoods. It, however, retains legacies of its past like the grid pattern of the streets, and the temples and shrines of past times still exist.

What was located in Yoshiwara a district of Edo?

The Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarter The sole licensed red-light district in the city of Edo (present-day Tokyo), the Yoshiwara was a walled and moated compound of about twenty acres. First established in 1617 near the citys center, the Yoshiwara was relocated to the northeast forty years later.

Why did Edo changed to Tokyo?

After over two and a half centuries of rule under the Tokugawa shogunate, the last shogun resigned, marking the end of feudal rule in Japan. Emperor Meiji did not appoint a new military leader and instead moved his residence to Edo. Upon his arrival in 1868, the city was renamed Tokyo, meaning East Capital.

Are geishas concubines?

As nouns the difference between geisha and concubine is that geisha is a japanese female entertainer skilled in various arts such as tea ceremony, dancing, singing and calligraphy while concubine is a woman who lives with a man, but who is not a wife.

What is unique about Tokyo?

1. Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world, hosting over 36 million people spread over 3 prefectures. Tokyo was formerly known as Edo in the 20th century. The name was changed to Tokyo in 1890 in light of the Meiji Restoration.

Why is Tokyo called Tokyo?

The history of the city of Tokyo stretches back some 400 years. Originally named Edo, the city started to flourish after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate here in 1603. The Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan.