Edo Tokyo Museum is where you can learn how Tokyo used to be in Edo era (1603 – 1868). As some people know, Tokyo used to be “Edo”. This museum shows the process of developing Tokyo from Edo. Showing you some pictures taken by me, and information for admission fee, ticket, how to access, souvenir shop, and so on.
Edo Tokyo Museum Information
It just has reopened after renovating in Apr 2018.
Guidance in English
They have audio guidance, and also some guides in Japanese, English, Deutsch and Chinese on the day I went.
Tickets for Edo Tokyo museum
Available to get it on 1st floor or 3rd floor.
You can get 20% discount with showing the specific tickets such as Hokusai Museum Ticket.
Opening hour at Edo Tokyo museum
9:30-17:30 (General)
Noted
- Photography with flash is prohibited as long as it doesn’t say “ok” for your personal use *no tripod
- Cell phone needs to be set as silent
- Big luggage and umbrellas cannot be brought inside (there is lockers that you can put them in)
- No pets enter besides helping dogs
Edo Tokyo Museum Guide
Edo zone, Edo castle and district (6F)
The first view is impressive at 6th floor!
You can across a bridge, and see the miniatures of Edo castle, and there are old items which were actually used. I was surprised that “the currying” is smaller than I thought. There is a booth you can try to ride and take a photo 🙂
Edo zone (5F)
Edo zone continues to 5th floor, and there are some exhibitions based on each theme,
- Life of the townspeople
- Publication and information
- Commerce of Edo
- Village and island linked with Edo
- Edo’s four seasons and its entertainment district
- Cultural city Edo
- Aesthetics of Edo
- Theaters and pleasure quarters
- From Edo to Tokyo
Life of townspeople
There is a model house which you can learn how the life used to be in that time. Tatami mat, small kitchen, and etc.
It was not that interesting for me since i knew those things from learning history of Japan, but it would be very interesting for you to look at it if you don’t know much about it.
Commerce of Edo: Edomae Sushi
This is my favorite! Sushi counter on the street, and you can see sushi is bigger than current one.
Theaters and pleasure quarters: Kabuki
There is an exhibition about Kabuki at “Theaters and pleasure quarters”. It is a good quality looking like real.
Tokyo Zone (5F)
A half of 5th floor is for exhibition of “Tokyo”.
- Tokyo in the Age of “Civilization and Enlightenment
- Behind scene of Enlightenment
- Tokyo and the Industrial Revolution
- Urban Culture and Recreation
- The Great Kanto Earthquake
- Modern Tokyo
- Air Raids and the Citizens of Tokyo
- Tokyo Revived
- Tokyo during the Times of Rapid Economic Development
- Tokyo Today
Tokyo in the Age of “Civilization and Enlightenment
There are miniatures of Newspaper company, First national bank building, Ginza Bricktown, and so on. I like some of them actually moving at specific time (they show schedule).
Air Raids and the Citizens of Tokyo
A housing model at war time, balloon bomb, etc gave me an opportunity to think about war once again. Fortunately, my school was very passionate for educating students about world’s peace, so I know a lot of things about war. But sadly there are not many opportunities to think about it in your daily life.. Once again, I realized that I want to keep learning and wishing world’s peace.
Tokyo Revived: Tokyo ROUTE 1
It was built when USA controlled japan.
Tokyo Revived: Made in occupied Japan
Those were made in Japan when occupied by USA. I have never seen these before, and it impressed me.
Tokyo during the Times of Rapid Economic Development
We had a rapid economic development in 1955 – 1973 when the yearly growth was over 10%. There are 3 tools called “Three sacred treasures” (for Showa Era) which are fridge, TV (black and white), and washing machine. Also you can find cars from Suzuki and Nissan. It was called Datsun before Nissan. Now Nissan provides cars named Datsun for South East Asia.
Museum Shop – Souvenir
There is a souvenir shop there, it is not big but they have some original goods. You can take a look if you have time.
Review for Edo Tokyo museum
To be honest, I am so glad that I went there! I live and work in Tokyo, but there were a ton of things that i didn’t know!!
And it’s interesting for me how Edo and Tokyo developed through so many things like wars, economical changes, and etc. Each exhibition is very well created and easy to understand. I believe that it would be a good experience for kids to learn history, culture, and etc there.
I would definitely take my husband (American) there since he is interested in history and culture of Japan.
Access to Edo Tokyo museum
- JR Ryogoku station
- Toei Oedo line Ryogoku station [ Exit: A3]
More info
Here is an official website in English.
https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en
There is a Sumo museum nearby, check it out since it is free!
