Once one of the wealthiest districts of Kyoto, the Shimabara courtesans’ district (yūkaku) preserves today only a glimpse of its former glory. But we can still admire two of the most famous Shimabara establishments, Sumiya, the last remaining ageya of Kyoto (photographed here from outside), and Wachigaya, that still operates as an ochaya.
And the streets, although lined by the modern poles, are still conveying a sense of the past…

Sumiya, Shimabara, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Simply beautiful Japanese scenes, Colorful paper lanterns at Yata-dera