Learn What an Oiran Is With a Journey Back to the Edo Period!

This video, titled "Nikko Edomura・The Procession of Courtesans・Uncut" (日光江戸村　花魁道中　ノーカット版　2014.4.26), was produced by "lemonnkunn" to promote the "Procession of Courtesans" performed at Nikko Edomura.
Nikko Edomura, located in Nikko, Tochigi, is a theme park where you can enjoy life in the Edo period.

Once you step inside this theme park, you'll discover the vivid life of the Edo period.
In this video, you can see what an "oiran" (Japanese courtesan), is.

What Kind of Theme Park Is Nikko Edomura?

Every cast member walking in this theme park wears a kimono to entertain guests.
You can see Shinsen-gumi or Ronin (a master-less samurai ) at an outdoor set.

Visitors can enjoy attractions, experience popular works from the Edo period, see Ninja Crow Palace, Kabuki or Yakatabune, as well as delicious food that reminds visitors of the Edo period.
The courtesan procession shown in this video is especially popular, and it is an event that teaches the audience about Yoshiwara in the Edo period.

What Is an "Oiran"

An oiran was a courtesan in the red-light distinct "Yoshiwara" during Japan's Edo period.
A high ranking courtesan is called "tayu."
The Yoshiwara red-light district was located around Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo and it was one of the most gorgeous areas in the Edo period.

When a tayu moved from a hikitejaya (teahouse) to Yoshiwara, she wore a gorgeous kimono, black painted sandals called "Sanmaiba-geta," and took many underlings wearing "Furisode," a full dress for unmarried women.
You can see the procession of courtesans in this video.
Also, the journey from Shimabara, Kyoto to Shinmachi, Osaka was called "Tayu Dochu."
This journey was what all women in the Edo period longed for.
The oiran strolling through the street in their black sandals must have been an amazing site at the time.
You can see them walking in the video at 1:13.

It's said that it took at least three years to learn to walk properly, as the walking style of an oiran is very particular.
You can see what the procession of courtesans, conducted in the Edo period, looks like at Nikko Edomura.
This role was performed by Miyuki Shinomiya for a long time.

Other Attractions at Nikko Edomura

Nikko Edomura has many other attractions besides the procession of courtesans.
You may have a chance to see "Nyan Mage-kun," the popular, official character of Nikko Edomura, and experience various other activities.

The samurai training house where visitors can have various training experiences, including Ninja training, Shuriken (手裏剣：Ninja star) training, or samurai training.
Sometimes Nikko Edomura is used for shooting historical plays as well.
If you're lucky, you may get to see a play live.
Other live shows, such as ninja shows or shows using water are popular among children.

Another attraction called "Jiku," where visitors can cosplay as a ninja, samurai, lord, or teenage girl of the merchant class is also popular.
We recommend buying Nyan Mage goods if you're looking for souvenirs.

Admission, Hours, and Access to Nikko Edomura

There is a one-day pass and discount ticket for senior citizens (65+).
Hours vary by season.
We recommend checking the official web site before visiting.

From Tokyo, take the Tobu Limited Express Spacia to Kinugawa Onsen Station and from there it's a 15-minute bus ride.
Also it only takes about 20 minutes to get to from the "Imaichi Interchange" off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car.
It is also close to Nikko Kinugawa Onsen, the largest hot spring resort in Tochigi, where there are many inns and hotels, making it a good place to spend the night.

Summary of Nikko Edomura

This is the promotional video for the Procession of Courtesans, one of popular events conducted at Nikko Edomura.
If you see it and hear the people chanting "O-ne ri," you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo Period.
Consider a trip to Nikko Edomura with your family and friends!

◆Information of NikkoEdomura◆
【Address】470-2 Karaura Nikko, Tochiki 321-2524
【Access】15 minutes on bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station of the limited express of Tobu.
15 minutes from “Imaichi Inter Change” off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car.
【Admission】One-day pass : Adult 4,700 yen, Child : 2,400 yen (A discount coupon is available on the official web page)
【Hours】3/20 to 11/30 :　9:00 to 17:00, 12/1 to 3/19　: 9:30 to 16:00
【Closures】Every Wednesday
【Avg. time spent here】5 hours or longer
【Parking】Available ( 800 yen per day) (* As of December, 2019) 【Telephone】0288-77-1777

【Official Website】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
http://edowonderland.net/en/

【Tripadvisor】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298182-d652994-Reviews-Edo_Wonderland_Nikko_Edomura-Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html