The beautiful images offer insight into what the city of Tokyo looked like in before Japan embraced all things western during the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912).  With modernization and the passing of 150 plus years the city looks quite different than it did during Hiroshige’s time.

The contrast can be seen when you look at Tokyo: Then & Now…

View of the First Street on Nihonbashidori

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, 100 views edo 044 & Flickr Nihonbashi-Kanda

The Kiyomizu Temple and Shinobazu Pond at Ueno

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, 100 views edo 011 & Personal Collection

Kinryuzan Temple at Asakusa

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, 100 views edo 099 & Personal Collection

The Benten Shrine at Inokashira Pond

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, 100 views edo 087 & Flickr 井の頭公園 (Inokashira Park)

Precincts of the Tenjin Shrine at Kameido

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, 100 views edo 057 & Personal Collection

The Inari Shrine at Oji

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, 100 views edo 018 &  Flickr Maruyama Inari shrine

Today Hiroshige’s 100 Views of Edo offer a romantic view of the city that lives in the imagination of visitors and residents alike.  Life in Japan in the 1800′s was likely much more difficult than these famous ukiyo-e depict.

Glimpses of old and new sit comfortable alongside each other in today’s Tokyo but I wish I could have been in Commodore Perry’s party in 1853 when they sailed into Yokohama Bay and seen old Japan for myself, untouched by western influences.

See more of the 100 Views of Edo at Hiroshige.org.