Yoshiwara

In the early 17th Century, Shogun Hideyoshi and Tokugawa authorities in Kyoto, Edo, and Osaka passed rules confining prostitution to single sections of these cities.

Kyoto's quarter was called the Shimabara. Osaka's quarter was the Shimmachi, and Edo's quarter was called the Yoshiwara. The Yoshiwara at one time had 3,000 Japanese women as prostitutes. Ronin, whom were masterless samurai, were not allowed in.

The Yoshiwara maintained an aura of mystery and refinement. The prostitutes could be anywhere from extremely poor to extremely rich.

Edo is now known as the city of Tokyo, Japan

External Links

http://www.artgallery.sbc.edu/ukiyoe/yoshiwara.html - My source about the Yoshiwara District