Jun 25, 2019 - 1 min read

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum

Time travel through historical buildings

By Italian in Japan (L. Maurizi)

Community writer

Bar "Kagiya", built 1856 (restored 1970)

Detail of the public bathhouse "Kodakara-yu"

Interior of one of the many historical traditional Japanese-style residences visitors can see

Oil-paper umbrellas belonging to the "Kawano Shoten" wholesale store dating back almost 100 years

"Hanaichi" flower shop and "Takei Sanshodo" stationary store (1927)

Traditional Japanese fireplace called "irori" used to this day for cooking, as well as preserving the wood beams supporting the ceiling

House of Okawa in Den`enchofu, an early example of western style residences that started appearing in Japan during the Taisho period

Meiji Era police box taken from the Mansei Bridge in Chiyoda, Tokyo

A small Japanese-style garden greeting visitors at the entrance of the museum

1652 Jisho-in Mausoleum erected by Princess Chiyo

The path in the large backyard of Korekiyo Takahashi's residence (1902)

Shain (reception room) in Hachirouemon Mitsui's residence

Reception room in Korekiyo Takahashi's residence

A view onto the garden of one of the villas

House of the leader of the Hachioji Guards, Late Edo Period

Edo Period granary from Amami-Oshima Island

The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is not one of the most accessible attractions in Tokyo, especially when compared to more popular temples, parks, and neighborhoods.

Nevertheless it's a must visit for all those interested in Japanese architecture, and Japanese history and culture.

Even if you're not a fan of buildings and houses, being able to see and walk into shops and mansions that are as old as 300 years is a unique experience that can make you feel as if you're traveling in time while exploring an aspect of Japan that you won't find anywhere else in the Greater Tokyo Area.

The buildings range from traditional Japanese-style to western structures, the latter of which were introduced to Japan in the early 20th century. Visitors can appreciate both the exterior and interior views of these buildings.

All buildings are original and have been relocated into the museum (although many of them have undergone lesser or larger degrees of restoration).

The museum sits in the large and beautiful Koganei Park that is particularly worth visiting in the spring for the lush cherry blossoms and in the fall for the beautiful momiji (maple trees).

The open air museum is located in the western part of Koganei Park, Koganei City, 25 minutes west of Tokyo's Shinjuku Station by train.

From Shinjuku, take either the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hana-Koganei Station, or the JR Chuo Line to Musashi-Koganei Station. From either station, the park is a 5-10 minute ride or 15-30 minute walk.