If you visit just one museum in Tokyo to learn about its past, make it the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku. Its interactive exhibits are comprehensive and illuminating, shedding light on life in Tokyo from its beginnings to the present day.
Edo-Tokyo Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Established in 1993, the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Tokyo (known as Edo until 1869) from its beginnings to more recent decades, over several floors.
Edo-Tokyo Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
The permanent exhibition is impressive in its scope and attention to detail. It introduces visitors to life in Tokyo, exploring aspects such as cultural heritage, political life and economy, and architecture. Much of the exhibition is interactive and stimulating for the museum-goer. Highlights here include a life-sized replica of Nihonbashi Bridge, which led to Edo; scale reconstructions of town buildings from the Edo, Meiji, and Showa periods; and the Nakamuraza theatre.
Edo-Tokyo Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Small, charming details abound, such as a cat on one of the roofs. In what counts as another fun touch, they also play with the weather indoors by changing the lighting and introducing thunderstorm sound effects. On weekends and busier periods, the museum also holds events at the theatre, such as rakugo storytelling or Edo period-style street performances.
Edo-Tokyo Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Photography is allowed here, and if needed, volunteer guides are usually around to offer English-language services. The museum also has a sister institution in the western suburbs of Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum, in which the exhibits are the actual buildings preserved from another age.
English name:
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Japanese name:
江戸東京博物館
English address:
1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 130-0015
Japanese address:
〒130-0015 東京都墨田区横網1-4-1
Opening hours:
Sunday and Tuesday-Friday: 9:30am-5:30pm (last entry 5pm)
Saturday: 9:30am-7:30pm (last entry 7pm)
Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Admission:
Adults: 600
College Students: 480
High and junior high school students, and 65 years old and over: 300
Elementary school students and preschool Children: free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 1-minute walk from exit A3 of Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo line.
Train: 3-minute walk from the west exit of Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Edo-Tokyo Museum on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3626-9974
Website:
Official Website (English/Japanese)
Near To Here:
Edo-Tokyo Museum is located in Tokyo's Asakusa and Ryogoto district. See our complete list of things to do in Asakusa and Ryogoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get esssential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
