Inside the Chrysanthemum kingdom: 100-year-old photos show a still-medieval Japan on the eve of rush for modernity that ended in disaster of WW2
Pictures taken by Tamamura Kozaburo in 1910 were the first ever to be used to promote tourism in Japan
Country only began trading with other countries following the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854
For years it had remained shut off from the rest of world and shrouded in mystery.
But this unique collection of images taken 100 years ago are some of the first ever insights in to rural Japan before it was opened up to the rest of the globe.
The collection of pictures - the first ever used to promote tourism in the country - show geishas relaxing in pleasure gardens while workers pick tea leaves from the fields.
Memoirs of a Geisha: Geishas enjoy a summer's day in a landscaped garden in this 100-year-old photo by Tamamura Kozaburo
Unique insight: The rare collection of images show Japan just before its industrial revolution
The world's secret garden: The collection of 100-year-old photos were taken to try to attract tourists to the country at the beginning of the 20th century after the lifting of the bamboo curtain