Year of Production: 1835 (Tenpo 6)
Artist: Utagawa Kuninao/Illustration
Publisher: Tsutaya Juzaburo III Edition, Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate Store

List of Shin Yoshiwara Temporary Residences

Approximately 90 major fires were recorded during the Edo period (a total of 260 years). Most of Edo was hit by a major fire every three years. Each time, Shin Yoshiwara continued to operate as temporary residences, renting space in nearby areas. To distinguish itself from the brothels, they displayed official Shogunate certification and signs. Surprisingly, the temporary residences actually increased convenience and attracted more customers. Most fires within the red-light district were caused by arson committed by prostitutes. While this was a serious crime punishable by death, there was no end to the prostitutes who were willing to go to such lengths to leave the red-light district.

These fires are known as the three greatest fires of Edo.

The Great Fire of Meireki

　On January 18, 1657 (Meireki 3), a fire broke out at Maruyama Honmyo-ji Temple in Nihongo. When a long-sleeved kimono was burned at Honmyo-ji Temple, the fire spread and caused a major conflagration, hence the name Furisode Fire.

The fire destroyed the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru areas of Edo Castle, as well as over 500 samurai residences, over 300 temples and shrines, over 9,000 warehouses, and 61 bridges. It is said that over 100,000 people died, making it the largest fire of the Edo period. During reconstruction, fire prevention was prioritized in urban development.

A picture of the Meireki fire from "Illustrated History of Firefighting in Japan"

Great Fire of Meiwa

　On February 29th, 1772 (Meiwa 9), a fire broke out at Daienji Temple on Gyoninzaka in Meguro, destroying the entire downtown area from Azabu and Shiba to Nihonbashi, Kyobashi, Kanda, Hongo, Shitaya, and Asakusa, killing several thousand people. Also known as the Gyoninzaka Fire.

From "Photo-illustrated History of Firefighting in Japan"

Cultural conflagration

On March 4, 1806 (Bunka 3), a fire broke out in Shibakuruma-cho and spread to Nihonbashi, Kyobashi, Kanda, and Asakusa. Over 80 samurai residences, 80 temples and shrines, and over 500 neighborhoods were reduced to ashes, killing over 1,200 people. It’s also known as the Kuruma-cho Fire or the Heijin Fire.

The Meireki, Meiwa, and Bunka fires are known as the three greatest fires of Edo.

The name of the artist, “Tsutaya Juzaburo, inside Asakusa Raijinmon Gate,” is inscribed in the lower left corner of the painting, referring to Tsutaya Juzaburo III. On January 25, 1830, a fire broke out at a corner block and completely destroyed the Shin Yoshiwara pleasure district. This illustration serves as a guide to the temporary residences used by the residents. This bird’s-eye view of Yoshiwara and the Sumida River, with Sensoji Temple at its center, reveals winding roads reminiscent of a European port. A closer look reveals symbols indicating the size of the brothels and the names of their owners inscribed on the roofs of the townhouses.
“The World of Yoshiwara in a Snap III, Part 1”: A temporary residence guide map by Tsutaju III. On January 25, 1833, a fire broke out in Kadomachi, completely burning down the Shin Yoshiwara pleasure district. Symbols indicating the size of the brothels and the names of their owners are inscribed on the roofs of the townhouses. Symbols and names of brothels are also inscribed on the Yoshiwara pleasure district land on the left, indicating that some establishments operated as temporary residences within Shin Yoshiwara rather than outside Yoshiwara.
Temporary residences were also set up in the Honjo and Fukagawa areas, but this map is limited to those in Taito Ward, such as Yamanoyado and Hanakawado.

Reference Materials
Taito City Library, Fire and Disaster Prevention Museum