Yokohama a century ago

The main port facilities of Yokohama, circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

By Robert Neff

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Yokohama was one of the gateways to Korea. Travelers from the United States and Europe would often sail to Yokohama aboard large ocean-going steamships and then take smaller coastal steamers ― stopping at Kobe and Nagasaki ― to Fusan (modern Busan), Wonsan and Jemulpo (modern Incheon).

Yokohama was often Westerners' first glimpse of the Far East and many were impressed with the city and its large foreign settlement. In fact, many early Western businesses in Korea had some ties to this city.

Considering that COVID 19 has made international travel difficult for most people, I thought it might be nice to travel back in time to see Yokohama a century ago.

A group of jinrickshaws awaiting customers. The first jinrickshaws were introduced into Korea in the fall of 1883 may have been from Yokohama. Circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

Yokohama Customs ― as in the past, everything has to go through customs. Circa 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection

Grand Hotel the largest hotel in Yokohama at the time. Kim Ok-kuin, one of the leaders of the 1884 Kapsan Coup attempt, stayed at this hotel for several days before he was exiled to Bonin Island. Circa 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection

American sailors ― probably part of the Great White Fleet that visited Yokohama in 1908. Robert Neff Collection

"No. 9 House" was perhaps the most infamous and popular house-of-ill-repute in Yokohama and probably was at the top of the itinerary for the American sailors. Circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

The comings and goings on Isesakicho Dori, circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

The theater street of Yokohama. These marathon theater productions were often the subject of letters home. Circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

Perhaps this postcard came from F. Ariizumi's shop. Circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

The Chinese section of the port. Still a very popular tourist attraction. Circa 1910-1920s. Robert Neff Collection

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