Once upon a time, Tokyo was nowhere near the sprawling megalopolis that it is today. Long ago, it wasn’t a sure thing that the small fishing village known as Edo would someday become one of the most bustling cities in the world.
But let’s skip Tokyo’s early years and fast-forward to a slightly more recent age. Ever wondered what the city looked like half a century ago, before the towering skyscrapers and iconic neon lights? Today, we are proud to present a visual comparison of Tokyo, 50 years ago versus the modern day!
Fifty years ago, Japan was in the process of emerging from the ashes of World War II and working its way back to being a major player on the world stage. The 1960s saw continued economic growth and internationalization of the city; the Tokyo Summer Olympics and the completion of the first bullet train in 1964 also paved the way for Japan’s status as a modernized force among nations. It’s hard to even picture what the city would have looked like during those transformative postwar years, which is why we’d like to take a moment out of your day to show you.
Japanese net users have recently been uploading photos of Tokyo taken approximately 50 years ago on the online “textboard” 2channel. If you’ve ever visited Tokyo or are currently living there, brace yourself for some unexpected scenery with the occasional famous landmark thrown in.
Ready for a ride through time? Let’s go!
Opening Ceremony of the Tokaido Shinkansen, 1964
Steam locomotive, 1964
A map of the Metropolitan Electric Railway
Tokyo Station, 1933
A typical traffic signal, Showa period 50s (1975-1984)
Shinjuku Station, West Entrance
▼ 1963
▼ 2011
Shibuya, Showa period early 30s (late 195s)
Location of the Shibuya 109 Building
▼ 1974
▼ 2011
Yurakucho Station, Kyobashi Entrance
▼ 1963
▼ 2011
Akabane Station, East Entrance
▼ 1963
▼ 2011
Shimbashi Station, West Entrance
▼ 1965
▼ 2011
Tokyo’s Minato Ward, Mita District, Tsunazaka
▼ Edo period (1603-1867)
▼ Today
If you’re interested in seeing more comparisons of specific places in Tokyo 50 years ago versus today, we highly recommend the phenomenal site Tokyo in Half a Century, which comes complete with detailed captions in English. The photos, which were all taken from the same perspective approximately 50 years apart, are arranged side-by-side for maximum effect.
Did anything surprise you in the photos above? Who knows what new changes we’ll see in pictures from 2065 Tokyo!
Source: 2channel via Kotaku USA
Images: 2channel
Tokyo subway ”phantom station” reveals itself to passengers for first time in nearly 90 years
Several Tokyo train lines were momentarily shut down today in honor of Tohoku Earthquake victims
Goodbye, Megaweb! Downtown Tokyo’s coolest car museum is closing for good【Photos】
The Times They are a-Changin’: Our reporter reflects on the changing landscape of Ebisu
Tokyo Koenji Awaodori festival will fully take place for the first time in four years this August
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
World’s second-oldest hotel offers new self-service stays to cope during pandemic
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki shares his beloved car with fans
New Japanese convenience store sandwiches feel like they’re out to kill us
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
These photos show how Japanese architecture has changed over the last 100 years
Photos from 140 years ago show Tokyo’s skyline was amazing long before the Skytree was ever built
How life in Tokyo has changed from five years ago: Five personal takes from our reporter
New Tokyo Crossdressing Bar Appeals to First-Time Drag Queens
The blood-soaked meaning behind the mysterious marks on the floor at Tokyo Station【Photos】
Samurai photo studio is coming back to Tokyo this spring, just in time for cherry blossom season
We visit Tokyo Station…outside of Tokyo
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japan to open its first-ever esports gym in Tokyo, with options to pay for professional training
Downtown Tokyo set to open its most important train station in 50 years, and now it has a name
5 shocking changes at Tokyo Disney parks since we visited two years ago
Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan has the perfect balance of class and convenience for your Tokyo stay
Akihabara in the ’80s looked very different to Tokyo’s otaku mecca today【Video】
122-year-old video of downtown Tokyo shows how much Japan’s capital has changed【Video】
69-year-old Tokyo man arrested for driving without a license for over 50 years
Leave a Reply