Edo-Tokyo Museum: A Glimpse into Japan's Historical Legacy

Overview

Opened in 1993, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich heritage of Tokyo during its Edo period. The museum features a comprehensive array of exhibits that chronicle Tokyo's evolution from the Edo period (1603-1868) through the Meiji and Showa eras to present-day Japan. The striking architecture mirrors the height of the Edo Castle tower, reaching 62.2 meters, and embodies the traditional kurazukuri style of storehouses. Spanning 30,000m², the museum invites visitors to cross a replica of the Nihonbashi Bridge into the Edo Zone, where the intricacies of politics, daily life, and cultural practices are vividly illustrated through dynamic displays, including the Kabuki theatre and traditional row houses. The Tokyo Zone highlights the transformative years of the Meiji Era, showcasing the city's responses to Western influences, the industrial revolution, and the Great Kanto Earthquake, as well as the aftermath of World War II. The museum boasts special galleries for temporary exhibits, along with hands-on experiences, life-size replicas, and an audio-visual hall that enhance the educational journey through Tokyo's historical landscape.

Photo of Edo-Tokyo Museum
Photo of Edo-Tokyo Museum
Photo of Edo-Tokyo Museum
Photo of Edo-Tokyo Museum
Contact Info
  • Address1-chōme-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan
  • Phone+81 3-3626-9974

Reviews

Nicolas Watanabe
Japan
5
This museum is one of the highlights of Tokyo! You can explore intricate details about the city and its residents, covering everything from its rich history to the daily lives of Tokyo's people. The standout feature is the diorama models that are impressively detailed and a joy to observe. I can really imagine how Tokyo was in the past. Currently, they are undergoing renovations, and I can't wait to see the improvements in four years!
Takumi Sato
Japan
5
Visiting the Edo Tokyo Museum was a fantastic experience! The building's exterior architecture is stunning. The entry fee is very affordable. We arrived around 10 AM on a Sunday during a holiday weekend in early May, and the ticket line was just a 10-minute wait. The museum presents many displays that illustrate Tokyo's evolution, encompassing its culture, economy, and feudal history. Beautiful paintings and miniature replicas of communities are worth experiencing. Don't forget to purchase tickets for the special exhibit; they're well worth it! Although we didn't use audio guides, I've heard they are excellent. Title plaques are in English, but descriptions are in Japanese, so consider guide options if you're a museum enthusiast.
Hiroshi Tanaka
Japan
5
This museum is perfect for everyone! My spouse and I visited during the afternoon to escape the Tokyo heat and spent around 2.5 hours here. Entry tickets were 600 Yen each for the main exhibit. There are storage facilities on the 1st and 7th floors (the 7th floor also has a restaurant and library, while the 1st has cafes). The miniatures are incredibly detailed, compressing a vast area into a small scale. You journey through the past centuries of Tokyo in a very engaging manner.
Yuki Matsumoto
Japan
5
I visited the museum in May 2019, and it was incredible! This museum showcases the Edo period (approximately 1500 to 1800). The numerous exhibits presented daily life in various aspects of Japan. There were many models showing the layout of a typical Edo period area. The life-sized figures representing routine activities were impressive! I truly enjoyed the interactive exhibits. I recall three small rooms showcasing the evolution of lamps, which were revolutionary! An unforgettable experience—not just for the building's beauty but also for the flawless organization and tour. Even the souvenirs I purchased were fantastic.
Sakura Yamada
Japan
5
One of the most amazing museums I've ever been to! We learned a tremendous amount about Tokyo and Japan's history. Featuring replicas of various architectural structures, it is both fun and educational. Set aside 3-4 hours for a visit. Additionally, they host a cool Japanese magic show every hour!