Also known as the Edo-Tokyo Tatemono-en, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is a chance to jump back in time to see a great range of historic buildings from the Tokyo area. Created in Tokyo, which has a past of many buildings lost due to fires, earthquakes, and war, to preserve the culture and history, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum is a place where history is kept alive.
About the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum consists of many historic buildings and recreations that were moved to its current location in the western side of Koganei park where everyone can get an up close look in and outside of the buildings.
The museum is actually split into three different areas that consist of a West Zone, Center Zone, and East Zone. As you explore these different zones, you can see what ordinary homes were like from the Edo period to Showa period, as well as get a glimpse of what upper-class homes were like as well!
One of the highlights of the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is the East Zone, where Hayao Miyazaki of Ghibli fame often visited while he was working on the film Spirited Away. So, if you want to experience a Ghibli-like adventure, make sure to visit the Shitamachi street that leads to the Kodakara-yu bathhouse in the East Zone.
Participating in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Tea Ceremony
One of the very special events that happens at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony and in 2020 it will be held on mid October.
At this event, there will be many tea ceremony-fans from Japan and around the world that will discuss the culture of tea and traditional Japanese culture. Guests to the event can enjoy a bowl of tea in an atmosphere-rich environment.
There are also tea ceremony workshops and sessions that have a presentation in English, so it is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the culture and to not have to worry about any language barriers!
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Access and Information
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is located west of the main tourist areas of Tokyo, like Shinjuku and Shibuya, but very easy to get to. Just take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku that heads to Tachikawa or Takao for about 30 minutes to arrive to Musashi-Koganei Station.
From there, you can take the bus from the North exit. There are two buses that can take you to the museum itself. One is the Seibu Bus from Bus Stop 2 or 3 and you can get off at Koganei-Koen Nishiguchi. Another is via the Kanto Bus from Bus Stop 4 and you can get off at Edo-Tokyo Tatemono-En Mae.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Opening Hours
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum opening hours depend on the season. From April to September, they open from 9:30am until 5:30pm and from October to March, they open from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Admission to the park is allowed until 30 minutes before they close, so make sure to visit early.
The museum is also closed every Monday and on the following day in the case that Monday is a national holiday. They are also closed during the New Year season.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Admission Fees
Adults can enter the park for only 400 yen and seniors ages 65 and older can enter for only 200 yen. Admission is 320 yen for college students, 200 yen for high school and junior high school students outside of the Tokyo area, and elementary school students, younger children, and junior high school students in Tokyo can enter for free.
Spot information
- Spot name: Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
- Street address: 3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-0005
- Access: A 5 minute bus ride from Musashi-Koganei Station
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