old Japan
These aren’t illustrations or romanticized stories – just normal Japanese people as they lived over a century ago.
Just be sure you’re wearing proper 19th-century attire – you don’t want to get any funny looks.
If you’re anything like us, you love old stuff from Japan. The temples, shrines, centuries-old festivals, and museums are some of our favorite things to check out when we have free time. There’s just something absolutely captivating about all the relics of the past that live on in Japan–but they’re just not quite as good as time travel! Come on, scientists, we want to hang out with Nobunaga! Well, while we’re waiting for Doc Brown to get back with the DeLorean, we can still at least look at old photos of Japan.
Though you might think there aren’t many–after all, it wasn’t like the samurai were running around with smartphones, snapping selfies–it turns out that there may be quite a few more than we realized! After a few hours clicking around the Internet, we’ve come up with our six favorite sites for finding old photos of Japan. Be sure to check them out and see what life was like over a hundred years ago!




Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Kirby mochi arrives at Family Mart, but is it as sweet to eat as it is to look at?【Taste test】
We almost cried on our first visit to this under-the-radar budget Italian restaurant in Japan
Japan’s choco mushroom snacks hold fashion show with designer Junko Koshino【Video】
Mega huge Mega Charizard Pokémon kites fly in the skies of Japan【Video】
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Defibrillator toys from Japanese capsule machines are so realistic they might save a life
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Mega huge Mega Charizard Pokémon kites fly in the skies of Japan【Video】
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Defibrillator toys from Japanese capsule machines are so realistic they might save a life
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Denny’s in Japan?
Make kitty happy with these clever cat project ideas
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Beyond fruit sandwiches — Japan has cake sandwiches too!【Taste test】
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】
Japanese Twitter presents chart of all panty types, for panty-identification science
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
11 reasons to visit Narita Airport in Japan
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty