Unique history of Koto area, depicted in traditional woodblock prints

Autumn is one of the best seasons to do something in Japan since it’s neither too hot nor too cold. So it is also the best season for us to go on one day trip!

During samurai period, about 300 years ago, our area Koto-Ward was one of the most popular destinations for people living in Edo, today’s Tokyo. So many places were depicted at the Ukiyoe, wood block prints. We are able to see the fine works and imagine atmospheres of those days through Ukiyoe.

Edo city began to develop as the central city of Japan about 400 years ago. Since then the population increased rapidly and the city expanded more and more. Through the development of Edo, our area was reclaimed from Edo Ocean and grew as the distribution center of Edo.

So lots of common people moved to this area, began to do business and this area became thriving well. This area became like gold rush in Edo. So this area grew the unique atmospheres and temperatures. They maybe one of the sources of something called Edo people temperatures. At the same time, it became cool and fashionable spots in Edo. So this area was very popular destination for people and depicted as the cool spots in Edo.      

Today, Tokyo didn’t remain those Edo atmospheres and temperatures. But our area still remains those a little. So it must be fun to take a walk around famous spots in those days, watching those Ukiyoe and feeling those Edo people temperatures.

(by Koichi)