Edo-Tokyo Museum (Ryogoku, Tokyo) – One Stop Tokyo History

The Edo-Tokyo Museum (江戸東京博物館 Edo Tōkyō Hakubutsukan) in Ryogoku is one of our family’s top picks when visitors come to town. Opened in 1993 the permanent exhibitions include; the life-size replica of the Nihonbashi, which was the bridge leading into Edo, the Nakamuraza theatre, and scale models of towns and buildings from the Edo, Meiji and Shōwa periods.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

The entry to the permanent exhibit starts on the 6th floor and goes down to the 5th floor (this can be a bit tricky to navigate). When you enter from the 6th floor, you immediately cross the beautifully constructed model Nihonbashi Bridge and progress through history to modern day Tokyo. The museum is split into two zones – Edo Zone and Tokyo Zone. After you enter the Edo Zone by walking over the Nihonbashi bridge, you will view exhibits that explain the lifestyle, economics, politics and culture of Edo. The Tokyo Zone starts at the conversion from the Edo Era to the Tokyo Era. The exhibits show the European and American influences that started in the Meiji Era, the Industrial Revolution, Great Kanto earthquake and the effect of WWII and the following reconstruction period. Below are images of the Edo and Tokyo zones from the Edo-Tokyo Museum website. A great museum to spend 1-2 hours viewing, and a good addition to visiting nearby Asakusa Shrine.

If you are looking for other great museums for Kids in Tokyo, here are our top recommendations.

My opinion

Value for your money: great, make sure you get the student discount
Location: great, 5-minute walk from Ryogoku station, lots of car parking
Child friendliness: very stroller friendly and fun for all ages
Toilets: Acceptable, but getting a bit old

Edo-Tokyo Museum Details

Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015
Access: 1 min walk from the Ryogkoku Stations on the Oedo subway line or 3 min walk from the Ryogoku station (West Exit) on the JR Sobu Line
Tel: 03-3626-9974
Hours: Monday closed, Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 – 17:30 *If a public holiday, the following day is closed instead. Year End and New Year Holiday. Closed Dec 29-Jan 3 for New Years
Cost: Adult: 600yen, People aged 65 or over：300yen, University Students：480yen; Students（Junior high school & High school: 300yen; Under Junior high school：Free

The permanent exhibition admission fee for adults who live in Tokyo and are accompanied by children 18 years old or younger is half price on the third Saturday and Sunday of every month (Family Days) (up to two adults). The discount may not apply to special exhibitions. Please check in advance.
Website: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/

Edo-Tokyo Museum Best Living Japan — Edo period Nihonbashi bridge

**********