noun
guide to the Yoshiwara red-light district
Historical term for a directory or guidebook of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters in Edo-period Japan, listing courtesans, teahouses, and other establishments.
江戸時代には、吉原細見が遊廓の案内書として広く使われていた。
In the Edo period, the Yoshiwara saiken was widely used as a guidebook to the pleasure quarters.
From 吉原 (Yoshiwara, the famous red-light district in Edo) + 細見 (saiken, detailed guide or directory). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is firmly associated with Edo-period culture.