These timeless postcards offer an eye-opening glimpse into life in Japan in the early 20th century. Taken from hand-colored photographs, the postcards showcase the still beauty of the country, depicting a nation on the cusp of modernization. The images feature solemn fishermen, bustling streets, temples and shrines: a country yet to be influenced by Western culture. The tinting effect brings out the rich colors of the natural surroundings, with trees, flowers and cherry blossoms jumping from the original black-and-white images. Here: Iris Garden at Horikiri, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





100 Stone Steps at Motomachi, Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Cherry blossom at Mukojima, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Hanayashiki of Asakusa at Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Nippon Bank at Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Temma Bridge, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Theatre Street, Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





Toyokuni Shrine Nakanoshima, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





High Lantern of Sumiyoshi, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)





The Asakusa Park, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)