Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum — Attraction in Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum in Koganei Park is an incredible testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage. This expansive museum features a wide variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the daily life and traditions of the Edo and early Meiji periods in Tokyo all the way through contemporary structures. Among the many exhibits, my personal favorite was the traditional Japanese bathhouse.

The bathhouse is a stunning recreation of a traditional sentō, or public bathhouse, that was common in Japan during the Showa period. The building itself is beautifully designed, with intricate wooden lattice work and a tile roof that gives it a distinctly Japanese feel. As you enter the bathhouse, you're transported back in time to a simpler era, where bathing was a communal activity and a place for socializing.

The interior of the bathhouse is just as impressive as the exterior, with a deep tubs lining the walls and in the center spaces to scrub. The bathing area is separated by gender, as is the custom in Japan. The attention to detail is remarkable, with everything from the wooden buckets and ladles used for washing, to the traditional mats and stools, perfectly recreated.

What I found most fascinating about the bathhouse exhibit was the way it gave me a glimpse into the everyday lives of people in Showa era Japan. The sentō was not just a place to bathe, but also a hub for socializing and exchanging gossip. It was a place where people from all walks of life could come together and connect, regardless of their social status or background.

Overall, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. The traditional Japanese bathhouse exhibit was my personal favorite, but there are many other fascinating exhibits to explore as well. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique and immersive experience, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum is definitely...

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum features around 30 reconstructed buildings, many dating to the Meiji Period, relocated from around Tokyo. Ranging from rustic farms, traditional homes, and bathhouses to elegant Western-inspired houses, offices, and shops, the museum (affiliated with the Edo-Tokyo Museum) is set in a beautiful wooded park in Musashi Koganei, about a 2-hour train ride from Yokosuka.

The museum is divided into three areas. The West Zone includes a photo studio, farmhouse, architect’s office, and several elegant Western-inspired private homes (one, the Georg de LaLande house, houses a quaint European-style café with desserts, drinks, and curry). The Center Zone features the striking Jisho-in Mausoleum, House of Korekiyo Takahashi, Second House of the Nishikawa Family, and the Tea Arbor Kaisuian, while the East Zone holds some of the most unique architecture including the beautiful copper-tiled Maruni Shoten kitchenware store, Kawano Shoten oil-paper umbrella wholesale store, and the public bathhouse Kodakara-yu. Several buildings at the museum, most notably the bathhouse, are said to have inspired animator Hayao Miyazaki as he was creating his Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away.” Miyazaki-san also designed the museum’s mascot Edomaru, a cuddly green caterpillar that appears around the museum as well as on merchandise available in the museum gift shop.

The museum hosts regular monthly events and seasonal ones such as nighttime illumination for Bon Odori and fall colors. I was extremely impressed at the level of English support, including roaming English-speaking volunteer guides and the fact that every building had a detailed sheet with the building’s history and information translated...

Highly recommended to visitors to Tokyo who can spare a half day. I've taken people here who have said it was the highlight of their trip, and I myself get a yearly pass so I can go any time. There are scores of architecturally significant buildings that can be entered, from farmhouses to mansions to former shops, and plenty of explanations in English. There are even sometimes English speaking guides available, especially if you call in advance. Set in one of the best parks in Tokyo, it makes a fun adventure for kids too. If you're around in cherry blossom season, midsummer, or late November, there are also special events with performers that go on until the evening. Some things to be aware of: *Best access is from Musashi-Koganei station and there are regular buses on the north side. There is a sign near the north exit that gives bus numbers. *You can also walk straight up the street called Koganei kaido, but will take about 25 minutes. *There is a lot to see and it closes at 4, so allow yourself time. *Weekends in cherry blossom season, summer, and autumn leaves season can be a little crowded. It's big enough that it's not really a problem, but some of the ambiance is lost. *Shoes must be removed to enter the buildings, so wear something comfortable but easy to slip on and off. I can't remember if bare feet are problematic, but if you're wearing sandals you may want to bring small socks just in case. *It's outdoors, so consider the weather. *The best food options in the area are in the museum grounds. There is a great noodle shop in an old storehouse and a cafe in a western style home with outdoor seating. Both are small and fill up quickly at busy seasons and the noon hour. Best bet is...