往時

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 往時 is read as おうじ and is a literary noun for former days or the appearance of something in the past.
• Basic usage: A port's former liveliness appears in 往時の港のにぎわい, while a castle's former appearance appears in 城の往時の姿.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The appearance of bygone days
  • It suits recalling a prosperous condition or former appearance through an old photograph or reconstruction.
• Difference from 当時
  • 当時 neutrally identifies the time being discussed, while 往時 more strongly looks back on bygone days.