Vintage Photos Capture Street Scenes of Tokyo in 1973

Tokyo in the 1970s was a city of rapid growth and change. The economic boom of the post-war era was still felt, though it slowed after the 1973 oil crisis.

Infrastructure expanded with more highways and the iconic Shinjuku skyscrapers began to rise. While the core city saw some residents move to suburbs, the metropolitan area continued to grow. Street scenes were a mix of tradition and booming modernity. Busy intersections were filled with a mix of cars, buses, and crowds of pedestrians.

People sported both traditional Japanese clothing and emerging Western fashions, like miniskirts and hotpants, reflecting a blend of old and new. Neon signs began to illuminate entertainment districts, while the daily commute on efficient, but crowded, trains was a common sight.

Despite the rapid development, pockets of calmer, everyday life existed, contrasting with the visible signs of industrial growth and an increasingly fast-paced urban environment. These vintage photos were found by David Pirmann that capture street scenes of Tokyo in 1973.

Akasaka, Tokyo, 1973

Bicycle and car and lumber, Tokyo, 1973

Gate, Imperial Palace, Tokyo, 1973

Guard house, Imperial Palace, Tokyo, 1973

Market and baby in stroller, Tokyo, 1973

Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo, 1973

Meiji Jingu wedding, Tokyo, 1973

Meiji Jingu, Tokyo, 1973

Meiji Jingu, Tokyo, 1973

Minato, Tokyo, 1973

Moat and view of Marunouchi District, Imperial Palace, Tokyo, 1973

Nijubashi Bridge, Edo Castle, Imperial Palace, Tokyo, 1973

People watching, Imperial Palace, Tokyo, 1973

Senso-ji Hozomon Gate, Asakusa, Tokyo, 1973

Tokyo street market and kids, 1973

Tokyo street market, 1973

Tokyo street scene and Tokyo Tower, 1973

Tokyo street scene, 1973

Tokyo street scene, 1973

Tokyo street shops and lanterns, 1973

Tokyo Tower, 1973

Tokyo view from Tokyo Tower, 1973

Tokyo view from Tokyo Tower, 1973

Tokyo view from Tokyo Tower, 1973

Tokyo wooden houses, 1973

Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo, 1973