old photos
People used to travel on a ropeway between department store rooftops overlooking today’s scramble crossing.
Twitter wants you to help find the people taken in these beautiful black-and-white photos from Japan’s past.
These aren’t illustrations or romanticized stories – just normal Japanese people as they lived over a century ago.
Japanese commenters aren’t so impressed with modern cityscapes, but are they just being nitpicky?
From breastfeeding mothers to merchant towns and an evening party with kimono-clad girls in Kyoto, these newly released artworks and photos of old Japan are simply captivating.
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!












Saitama is home to the best strawberries in Japan that you’ve probably never even heard of
Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service returns to theaters with first-ever IMAX screenings and remaster
Skyscraper sized Pokémon cards to appear in Tokyo all year long in Tocho projection mapping event
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Family Mart’s Shibuya Cat Street shop hosts first-ever rescue cat photo exhibition for Cat Day
Osaka icon loses legs, restaurant says famous crab is exhausted
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Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
Osaka establishes first designated smoking area in Dotonbori canal district to fight “overtourism”
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The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
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Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
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Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
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Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
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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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Osaka icon loses legs, restaurant says famous crab is exhausted
These apartments are crazy-small even by Tokyo standards, and super-popular with young people
Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
Osaka establishes first designated smoking area in Dotonbori canal district to fight “overtourism”
How to avoid queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Japan
Pokémon Cafe serves up a green tea ceremony in Japan with Poltchageist and Sinistcha matcha menu
Kirby Cafe x Captain Sweets Burger release “double strawberry burgers” exclusive to Tokyo Station
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
How to escape the Tokyo crowds with a trip to a hidden gem on a special Japanese train
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
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Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month