were courtesans in japan. oiran were part of japanese society during the edo period, (1600–1868). prostitution was legal then, but only in special neighborhoods that were closed to outsiders. there were different kinds of oiran, depending on their beauty, skills in art, education, and more. high-ranking oiran were called . only nobles could be with one. tayū had many servants, and when they went outside, their servants carried them and followed them, making a procession. they wore very expensive clothes and jewelry. any man who wished to be with an oiran had to follow difficult rituals and etiquette.