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Jul 29 2009 5 Comments

Yoshiwara soapland saunter (part 1)

Since 1617, Tokyo’s Yoshiwara district has been synonymous with one thing — sex. Or more accurately, prostitution. And while the current area may now be officially known as Senzoku 4 Chome, and it’s in a location dating from slightly later due to a move in 1657, its business is still based around sexual services. Only now they are almost solely centred on soapland.

Yoshiwara soapland district

And while the number of establishments may not be quite as numerous as they once were in 1846.

Yoshiwara soapland district

They aren’t exactly lacking either.

Yoshiwara soapland district

Making it a district that really comes to life after dark,

Yoshiwara soapland district

although due to what goes on behind the decorously lit doors, and the dubious types that man them, taking pictures felt far from easy.

Yoshiwara soapland district

Especially as privacy for the punters is paramount, with fellas furtively dashing out of cabs and cars.

Yoshiwara soapland district

Leaving the streets, for Tokyo at least, unusually bereft of people.

Yoshiwara soapland district

The only faces really to the fore being those of the women who work there, with their slightly daring demeanours prominently displayed for those paying to take their pick.

Yoshiwara soapland district

Next week, in part 2, I’ll take a more light-hearted look at some of the novel names given to some of these places as, for reasons unknown, English monikers are particularly popular.

Categorized: Sex

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mandy says

    7/29/2009 at 4:02 pm

    I love the color of the photos. Nice shots.

    Reply
  2. oweynge says

    7/29/2009 at 10:37 pm

    wow, this is just a walking distance from where I live. must visit 🙂

    Reply
  3. Melankolia says

    1/31/2011 at 1:19 am

    I love the color of the photos. Nice shots.

    Reply
  4. Nick says

    4/12/2011 at 9:59 am

    Are gaijin(foreigners) allowed to enter soaplands in Yoshiwara? And can anyone tell me how to get to this place from Shinjuku? http://www.yoshiwara-otome.com/top.html

    Reply
  5. Sheldon says

    8/2/2011 at 6:02 am

    Which one of these is exceptional for taking gaigin customers?

    Reply

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