Edo-Tokyo Museum reopens after 4-year renovation

Visitors walk on a bridge.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

A Tokyo history institution has finally reopened after four long years of renovations.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum sits next door to Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and opened its doors to visitors on March 31. The building itself and equipment inside were outdated and closed in 2022 for updates, an official said.

The museum is home to various historical and cultural items of Tokyo (old and new). Each of its 8 floors features exhibits spanning 400 years of Edo-Tokyo history and the way of life of people, the old Edo-style architecture, cultural heritage and political and commercial climates in the era.

The front photo of Edo-Tokyo Museum.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Visitors walk on and under the bridge.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

The front photo of a Japanese-style facility.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

The miniatures of the ships, the river, and a bridge are visible.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Some ukiyo-e are displayed in a Japanese-style room.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

In the museum, you can check out authentic ukiyo-e, old maps, kimono, swords and armors in display, along with very accurately reconstructed buildings and facilities. Among them, the same size replica of first-generation Nihonbashi bridge, large-scale models of feudal lord’s residences and a kabuki theater are must-see, which, I’m sure, let you feel as if you stepped back in the golden time around 15th to 19th century.

Don’t miss a visit to Edo-Tokyo Museum for some interesting facts and great photos!

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Hours: Tue. – Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Saturdays – 7:30 p.m.)

Admission: 800 yen for college students: 480 yen, ages 65 or older: 400 yen, high schoolers: 300 yen, middle schoolers and younger: free

Website

Phone: 03-3626-9974 (General Information)