A method was found to separatory detect cis and trans geometric isomers of urocanic acid by paper partition chromatography. By the utilization of this method, the cis isomer was isolated and purified from the sunlight irradiation product of the trans isomer, and the properties of the cis isomer were clarified. It was found by the examination of by-products formed during the synthesis of the trans isomer that a minute amount of the cis isomer is always present in it. Reversible photochemical conversion of trans to cis, and vice versa, was also examined.