The New Yoshiwara pleasure district in the twilight years of the Edo Period (1860s). Although courtesans have status as entertainers of the nocturnal world they are societal outcasts who dream of being “rescued” from indentured sexual service by a benefactor. Popular courtesan Asagiri (Yumi Adachi) is known for the flower-like markings on her skin which redden as her arousal swells, yet they symbolize a painful past. Although Asagiri will soon be freed from her service, she can't imagine any other existence. One day at a local festival, Asagiri falls and is helped to her feet by young artisan Hanjiro (Yasushi Fuchigami), who recognizes her clogs' dye work as his own. The fateful encounter changes Asagiri's destiny, with the love she feels for Hanjiro bringing hope for a new life. Hanjiro also happens to be the brother of former courtesan Kirisato, whom Asagiri feels indebted to for taking her in as an orphan. After being bought out by Asagiri's first ever client, Yoshidaya (Kanji Tsuda), Kirisato suffered a mysterious death. Concealing his background, Hanjiro proposes a business relationship with Yoshidaya to get closer to the truth, but when Yoshidaya decides to buy Asagiri's freedom next, it leads to tragic circumstances.
