Tokyo

Transportation map of Tokyo issued at a period of extensive tourism marketing.

It’s difficult for an outsider to comprehend the tremendous cultural changes undertaken in Japan during the ~80 years between Commodore Matthew Perry’s forceful entry (1852) and the publication of this English-language tourist map of Japan (c. 1932). Western influence was initially condemned by many Japanese and freedom of travel was severely restricted, but by the 1890’s the desire for acceptance among the international community (as well as a more even economic footing) prompted a change in philosophy. Furthermore, the depression of the 1920’s encouraged the imperial government to look for additional sources of hard currency.

Thus, by the early 1930’s, many areas of Japan had a thriving tourist economy, with the Tokyo area as likely the most popular. This map was issued by the Japan Tourist Bureau, likely in either 1932 or 1933 based on text on the verso. Transit lines are highlighted in red and the legend in the lower left identifies symbols used for embassies, parks, temples, shrines, churches, and notable points. (The use of the swastika to denote temples also reinforces the date).

An extensive index shows the location of dozens of additional locations of interest according to coordinates around the border of the map. Text on the verso covers information on local amusements, seasonal flowers, suggested itineraries, hotels, transportation, and much more.

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