Exploring the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)

I recently had the opportunity to spend a peaceful afternoon traveling into Japan’s Edo and Showa era at an impressive museum in the middle of the beautiful Koganei Park in Tokyo’s suburbs.

At the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, the past comes back to life. From most bases in the Kanto area, access to the museum is a little over an hour by train or car.

Visitors can easily spend over three hours looking at the elaborate displays inside and out, so it is worth the travel time to get there.

Visiting the museum

Entry to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum is a very reasonable 400 yen for adults and free middle schoolers and below. The museum has indoor displays and a vast outdoor area with replicas of famous buildings that visitors can enter.

Each display has English descriptions, so very accessible to tourists that do not read Japanese.

Indoor trip to the past

(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)

The first exhibit I visited was the Showa Era section. This contemporary portion’s displays cover 1926 to 1989. The calligraphy tools, pottery pieces and interesting photos of daily life and culture were fascinating.

It was a nice way to learn more about this era and references to what I’ve already seen in many of the TV dramas and programs from this time period.

An outdoor walk in time

(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)

The Edo town buildings recreated on the museum’s exterior grounds were why I visited this place. To me, this was the bread and butter of this trip.

I spent time enjoying the small neighborhood displays and exploring the buildings. I browsed the well-preserved bottles and products of yesteryear inside the liquor and grocery stores. There were also replicas of homes from the era. Some looked very 1960s Western in design and décor, while others showed more of Dutch style. The transition away from traditional Japanese architecture towards more Western and European influence was striking to see.

(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)

The outdoor area has 30 historical buildings, some of which you can enter and check out. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clean socks since shoes are not allowed inside the buildings with interior access.

Overall, the displays at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air museum were pretty fascinating and time flew. It’s a great escape from the city for some fresh air while getting to know more about the local culture and way of life during these resent eras. You will not regret spending time here!

Things to know

Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park, 3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-0005

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Fees: 400 yen for general admission; 320 yen for university students; 200 yen for high school students; free for middle school-aged and below. Yen and credit cards accepted.

Other info: Parking is available but park is easily accessible via train.

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