Interaction of local visitors to Yoshiwara: the intersection of sightseeing and pleasure in Edo

Interaction of local visitors to Yoshiwara: the intersection of sightseeing and pleasure in Edo

In the Edo period, Yoshiwara was more than just a brothel; it was a tourist destination for commoners, warriors, and even travelers from faraway places. Especially during festivals and fairs, the area was a popular destination for women and families with children, who came to "see the sights at least once," as they could enjoy the spectacular oirate processions and the bustle of Naka-no-machi. At that time, Edo was a large city with a population of over one million, and many people came in and out of the city from the provinces as a base for the transportation of visitors and the distribution of goods, and this flow of people was a factor in boosting Yoshiwara visits.

Visitors from the provinces would stop for a smoke and a chat at teahouses and Hikite teahouses. For example, when a merchant from Kamigata (Kyoto) exclaimed, "The courtesans here are as good as those in Kyoto," an Edo native would proudly reply, "Hey, Yoshiwara is the best in the country. Or travelers whisper to each other, "Which oiran (courtesan) has the best reputation now?" The conversation, interspersed with dialect, reminds us of a social gathering place where people and cultures from all over the country mingle, going beyond a mere colorful town.

The reason why Yoshiwara was officially recognized by the shogunate was also involved in the background. The shogunate wanted to maintain public safety by gathering the amusement of the common people in one place, and at the same time, Yoshiwara was to be a "showplace" for the city's culture. Yoshiwara therefore became the centerpiece of Edo tourism, and was frequently depicted in ukiyoe woodblock prints and the guidebook "Yoshiwara Hosomi". These materials also suggest that visitors from the countryside brought back scenes of Yoshiwara as souvenirs to share with their friends in other parts of the country.

Yoshiwara was a place where Edo's entertainment culture and urban tourism intersected. The light-hearted exchanges between local visitors and Edo commoners were not just a glamorous scene, but an act on the "Edo stage" filled with laughter and surprise.