• Top
  • Blog
    • Culture
    • Food
    • Hidden Gems
    • History
    • Nature
  • Events
  • Tours
    • OIRAN experience
    • Sacred Sake Tasting
    • Walking tour: Old Port Town Niigata
    • Sushi Making Master-Class
    • Japanese Pub Hopping Tour
    • Handcraft a unique Japanese wind-chime
    • Japanese Sake Tasting Lecture
  • About Niigata
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • 025-365-1250

EDGE OF NIIGATA

  • Top
  • Blog
    • Culture
    • Food
    • Hidden Gems
    • History
    • Nature
  • Events
  • Tours
    • OIRAN experience
    • Sacred Sake Tasting
    • Walking tour: Old Port Town Niigata
    • Sushi Making Master-Class
    • Japanese Pub Hopping Tour
    • Handcraft a unique Japanese wind-chime
    • Japanese Sake Tasting Lecture
  • About Niigata
  • About us
  • Contact us
EN / JP / TW
JP/TW
EDGE OF NIIGATA
  • Top
  • Blog
    • Culture
    • Food
    • Hidden Gems
    • History
    • Nature
  • Events
  • Tours
    • OIRAN experience
    • Sacred Sake Tasting
    • Walking tour: Old Port Town Niigata
    • Sushi Making Master-Class
    • Japanese Pub Hopping Tour
    • Handcraft a unique Japanese wind-chime
    • Japanese Sake Tasting Lecture
  • About Niigata
  • About us
  • Contact us
EN / JP / TW
JP/TW

Blog

TOP > Blog > Culture > The echo of OIRAN

The echo of OIRAN

2020.06.12
Culture History

By Jerry A.

Wondering around the city, I stumbled upon a piece of history – the old Flower Street of port-town Niigata, where over the last two centuries, Oiran culture has flourished.

What is Oiran?

Courtesan culture arose in the early Edo period (1600–1868).

Oiran flourished in the brothels of the Yoshiwara in Edo (Tokyo), Shinmachi in Osaka, and Shimabara in Kyoto.

There were different ranks among courtesans of these red-light districts, determined not only by physical beauty, but also by sophistication and popularity. The highest-ranked courtesans were typically called Tayu (太夫). However, in Edo (now Tokyo), the most distinguished Tayu were referred to as Oiran (花魁). In order to become an Oiran, a woman had to be educated in a range of skills from a young age, including the traditional arts of chadō (Japanese tea ceremony), ikebana (flower arrangement), and calligraphy. Oiran also knew how to play the koto, shakuhachi, tsuzumi (hand drum), and shamisen. Clients expected them to be well-read and able to converse and write with wit and elegance. They were the best-educated women in Japan.

Oiran in Niigata

In 1869, Niigata Port was among the first 5 ports opened to international trade. This brought a flurry of travelers with coin to spare. Under these circumstances, from the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912) to the Taisho period (1912-1926), Oiran in Niigata City flourished. The Flower Street (red-light district) lined Oiran Houses rivaled with Yoshiwara in Tokyo and Gion in Kyoto.

Present Day

Although, of course Oiran culture has changed, the Flower Street of Niigata still retains many of its’ old characteristics.
You can see the same shrine with a triangular roof at the end of the road.

 

(Left) Red light district in Niigata about 100 years ago. That was a street with a taste. (Right) Current view; now this district has turned into residential area.

It’s hard to imagine how many rich men and sailors have walked down this street.

(Left) This picture was taken in 1935; my grandmother was born in 1930 and will be 90-years-old this year. Looking at this picture, it seems so long ago and so recent, all at once. (Right) Current View; the site of the building taken in 1935

Stairs in front of the building seen in the 1935 picture. I can’t imagine how many people used these.

Finally, I visited a building from the Meiji period (about 150 years ago) which was used as an Oiran house.

This is the original building. After it fell into disuse as a courtesan house, the building became a ryokan (a Japanese style hotel). Recently it has gained a second life as an Oiran studio in Niigata.

 

(Left) Entering the building, you can see the stairs that lead to the second floor.

(Right) WOW! A corridor connecting to many rooms.

Modern Oiran

Real Oiran have disappeared after the law banishing prostitution had passed in 1956. Now, it has evolved into a very different form of entertainment. People (both women and men!!) can dress up as these sophisticated, beautiful, and sensual women.

This worthwhile experience will make you feel like a different person and transform you into a highest-ranked Oiran.

OIRAN experience


Jerry A., Japanese

Twitter Facebook
[Previous post]
Things You Need to Know about Summer In Niigata
Things You Need to Know about Summer In Niigata
[Next post]
6 Unique and Delicious Niigata Foods You’ve Got To Try!
6 Unique and Delicious Niigata Foods You’ve Got To Try!
The echo of OIRAN
Follow

Related entry

  • SHIRONE GIANT KITE BATTLE
    SHIRONE GIANT KITE BATTLE
    2023.04.20
  • A Touch of Copper from Tsubame
    A Touch of Copper from Tsubame
    2023.03.01
  • From Nails to Knives – Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata
    From Nails to Knives – Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata
    2023.03.01
  • Niigata City: Living it up like a merchant from yesteryear
    Niigata City: Living it up like a merchant from yesteryear
    2023.03.01
  • 6 Niigata Sento You Have To Soak In (While You Still Can)
    6 Niigata Sento You Have To Soak In (While You Still Can)
    2023.02.17

Access ranking

  • AJISAI: The Flowers of Seven Transformations

    Culture 2020.07.02
  • SHIRONE GIANT KITE BATTLE

    Culture 2023.04.20
  • The echo of OIRAN

    History 2020.06.12
  • Exploring Myoko: Autumn

    Nature 2023.02.09
  • Things You Need to Know about Summer In Niigata

    Nature 2020.06.26

New entry

  • SHIRONE GIANT KITE BATTLE

    Culture 2023.04.20
  • Niitsu, Then and Now: A Peek into Niigata’s Countryside

    Hidden Gems 2023.03.09
  • Eating Your Way Around Tsubame-Sanjo

    Food 2023.03.01
  • A Touch of Copper from Tsubame

    Hidden Gems 2023.03.01
  • From Nails to Knives – Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata

    Hidden Gems 2023.03.01

Category

  • Culture
  • Food
  • Hidden Gems
  • History
  • Nature

Contact

Telephone

TEL025-365-1250
FAX025-228-4885

Business time 9:00~17:40 Japan time
Excluding weekends and holidays

Web

Contact us
EDGE OF NIIGATA
Blog
  • Culture
  • Food
  • Hidden Gems
  • History
  • Nature
Tour
  • OIRAN experience
  • Sacred Sake Tasting
  • Walking tour: Old Port Town Niigata
  • Sushi Making Master-Class
  • Japanese Pub Hopping Tour
About Niigata
  • Information
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
© 2019 ATAGO CORPORATION