Japanese meaning of 異国情緒
Reading:
いこくじょうちょ (ikoku joucho)
English Translation:
Exotic atmosphere; foreign flavor
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
An aestheticized sense of “foreignness” in scenery, architecture, or atmosphere; often nostalgic or picturesque.
Cultural Context:
Frequently used for port towns and retro districts in Japan. Can carry romanticism—and occasionally critique—around exoticism.
風景・建築・空気感に漂う「よその国らしさ」を愛でる趣。ノスタルジックで絵画的なニュアンスが強い。
港町やレトロ街区の観光文脈で多用。異国趣味へのロマンとともに、時にエキゾチシズム批評の対象にもなる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “あふれる” or “ただよう” to describe an exotic or foreign atmosphere (“異国情緒あふれる港町”).
• Often used for tourism or aesthetic descriptions of places, art, or culture.
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken for referring to literal foreign residents, but it focuses on the *atmosphere* or *mood* evoking a foreign land.
Example
Basic Example
この港町は異国情緒にあふれている。
This port town is full of exotic atmosphere.
Applied Example
港町は異国情緒にあふれ、歩くだけで旅気分になれた。
The port town was full of exotic charm — just walking there felt like traveling.