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Closed until Dec 31, 2025
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Edo-Tokyo Museum
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Dec 31, 2025
About
【NOTICE】 The Edo-Tokyo Museum is closed for major renovations during the following period: April 1, 2022, through fiscal 2025 (tentative schedule) === The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum opened its doors in March 1993 as a space to reflect on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future. Housed in a unique building modeled after an elevated-floor type warehouse, the museum has been a landmark and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo since its opening. The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, offers visitors a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds special exhibitions at the first floor gallery five to six times a year and carries out various other events, including lectures and workshops on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,176 reviews
Excellent
1,240
Very good
734
Average
173
Poor
19
Terrible
10
David
London, UK3 contributions
Jan 2020
After reading the amazing reviews & being in the area (after sumo), we headed to this museum. If you’re into figurines / models, then this place might be for you, or if you are very interested in the Edo period. However, unfortunately we didn’t really see what all the fuss is about.
Positives;
English audio guide
Helpful staff
Displays also in English
Cheap (for the permanent exhibition - 600yen)
Downside;
A bit dull
Could be more interactive
The special exhibition is quite a bit more (add c. 800 yen on top). We did not do this.
Positives;
English audio guide
Helpful staff
Displays also in English
Cheap (for the permanent exhibition - 600yen)
Downside;
A bit dull
Could be more interactive
The special exhibition is quite a bit more (add c. 800 yen on top). We did not do this.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison B
96 contributions
Jan 2020
The standard exhibit for this museum is small replicas of historical parts of Japan, along with life size replicas of a few things. The museum is on two floors, but the upper floor is mostly open to view down on the lower level. This portion of the museum I found to be mediocre and probably aimed more towards children than towards adults.
They did, while I was there, have a special exhibit featuring 5 of Japan's great artists with works loaned to them from museums around the world (why are Japanese Artists' works owned by other countries? I don't know and I guess that's a separate issue). When you walk through, you will more than likely recognize several of the pieces with the most famous being the "Giant Wave", which has become one of the most well known and reproduced images we saw.
The gift shop had several great options including magnets and postcards which were inexpensive. They also had options to purchase some original artwork for a considerable amount of money, which we did not do.
If you are considering Edo-Tokyo, I would keep in mind that the permanent exhibit is more aimed at children and check to see what the special exhibit is in order to see if it's worth visiting. Also, our permanent exhibit visit was free of charge the day we went - not sure if that's normal or just because it was after the New Year's holiday.
They did, while I was there, have a special exhibit featuring 5 of Japan's great artists with works loaned to them from museums around the world (why are Japanese Artists' works owned by other countries? I don't know and I guess that's a separate issue). When you walk through, you will more than likely recognize several of the pieces with the most famous being the "Giant Wave", which has become one of the most well known and reproduced images we saw.
The gift shop had several great options including magnets and postcards which were inexpensive. They also had options to purchase some original artwork for a considerable amount of money, which we did not do.
If you are considering Edo-Tokyo, I would keep in mind that the permanent exhibit is more aimed at children and check to see what the special exhibit is in order to see if it's worth visiting. Also, our permanent exhibit visit was free of charge the day we went - not sure if that's normal or just because it was after the New Year's holiday.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam M
London, UK9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Brilliant museum, and quite busy too. However, I’m not sure what the audio guides were like, but the volunteer guides were absolutely brilliant! We explored the Edo side of the museum in-depth with our English speaking guide who was a retired enthusiast volunteering his time! So much information from him, and I don’t think we would’ve gathered as much without him as the written information wasn’t very extensive. You just have to go to their booth and ask. It’s not even a tour, it’s personal to you. Couldn’t recommend them more!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thorneta
Brisbane, Australia326 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This is a fantastic museum- ended up staying for 3.5 hours - could have stayed for a lot longer.
The museum is set out well and even with big crowds, it was still not too bad trying to view most of the exhibits. I was not that familiar with Japanese history and this really covers the field over the last 400 or so years.
A must visit when in Tokyo.
The museum is set out well and even with big crowds, it was still not too bad trying to view most of the exhibits. I was not that familiar with Japanese history and this really covers the field over the last 400 or so years.
A must visit when in Tokyo.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle J
Fuji, Japan44 contributions
Jun 2021
Reasonably priced, indoors with air-con, and has some interesting history such as replicas of homes early 1900s, the first "family computer", and relics from both modern and ancient history. It was a good hour taking in and worth the visit. Convenient to Ryogoku station.
Note: with any Japan national exhibit, check the calendar in advance. This country is weird and places will close completely on Monday or Tuesday as routine.
Note: with any Japan national exhibit, check the calendar in advance. This country is weird and places will close completely on Monday or Tuesday as routine.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason Wyngrade
62 contributions
Apr 2019
We went here on a whim one day. Got off at the wrong stop on the train and decided to look around and we were glad we did. I didn't like the look of the grounds or the building (nothing wrong with it, just didn't look 'inviting') and virtually nothing to indicate what it was for. Fortunately, I had walked a way and wasn't going to turn around for no reason, so I decided to check it out. Turns out, it was a good decision.
You have to go up a 3 story escalator to get to the front entrance and lobby. Once inside you have to buy tickets to get in and drop off some of your stuff in the coin locker room. HINT: you CAN take your camera with you- if you have one.
Then you walk across a huge wooden indoor bridge and start your tour of the Edo-Tokyo museum. There is a HUGE amount of stuff to see in here with some outstanding displays and quite a bit of explanation in English. I learned a lot from the large wall sized mural of how the Shogunate was arranged.
While most of it is dedicated to older history, like the stuff you would find in Shogun (dating myself there), on the lower floors there are many more recent displays, particularly of artifacts from WW2 and the 1950's. The first car produced commercially is no display here (it's a Subaru!).
There is also a small and inviting gift shop on the bottom floor along with a full-size replica of an old Enka house.
Seriously, if you have ANY interest in old Japanese history, you really need to see this place. Once you find your way in, it's well worth the time and price of admission.
You have to go up a 3 story escalator to get to the front entrance and lobby. Once inside you have to buy tickets to get in and drop off some of your stuff in the coin locker room. HINT: you CAN take your camera with you- if you have one.
Then you walk across a huge wooden indoor bridge and start your tour of the Edo-Tokyo museum. There is a HUGE amount of stuff to see in here with some outstanding displays and quite a bit of explanation in English. I learned a lot from the large wall sized mural of how the Shogunate was arranged.
While most of it is dedicated to older history, like the stuff you would find in Shogun (dating myself there), on the lower floors there are many more recent displays, particularly of artifacts from WW2 and the 1950's. The first car produced commercially is no display here (it's a Subaru!).
There is also a small and inviting gift shop on the bottom floor along with a full-size replica of an old Enka house.
Seriously, if you have ANY interest in old Japanese history, you really need to see this place. Once you find your way in, it's well worth the time and price of admission.
Written March 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BVinLA
Los Angeles, CA93 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a very well planed museum that covers the history of Tokyo from the days it was once a sleepy village called Edo till the modern day megacity we know today.
The building itself is a architectural marvel far larger than photos give it credit for. The amount of interior space allows for many life sized exhibits. Beyond practicality, its interesting shape almost suggests it could walk away at any moment.
Inside the museum a well planned path of different historical eras of Edo/Tokyo are covered from past till present. Its a very interactive space with many hands on exhibits, and life sized recreations of homes and buildings. You can get a feel for what a typical home in old Edo, or 1950's Tokyo was like.
The building itself is a architectural marvel far larger than photos give it credit for. The amount of interior space allows for many life sized exhibits. Beyond practicality, its interesting shape almost suggests it could walk away at any moment.
Inside the museum a well planned path of different historical eras of Edo/Tokyo are covered from past till present. Its a very interactive space with many hands on exhibits, and life sized recreations of homes and buildings. You can get a feel for what a typical home in old Edo, or 1950's Tokyo was like.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhi
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom46 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited and had a englush speaking tour guide which was included for free. Aiko, i believe, was very nice and professional and obviously proud of his country and history. His tour lasted about 90 mins and gave an overview of the history. We missed a lot of exhibits on this tour and you would need to go back round again if you wanted to see everything. This museum is huge so leave half a day. Would recommend if you want an overview of the edo period!
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Della G
Coquitlam, Canada794 contributions
Nov 2019
If you enjoy history of any kind, especially that of ancient cities, this museum would be right up your alley. Tokyo is an old medieval city and there is so much to absorb when you have a museum dedicated to this capital city. Almost every facet of life in old Tokyo is captured in the carefully intricately crafted street scenes, castles and living quarters etc. That is only a part of the display. Other historical paintings, pottery scripts and old artifacts are displayed on another level of the museum. Be prepared to spend a good part of the day at this museum.
Written April 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyShez
Sydney Australia119 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If there's one thing and one thing only I wanted to do in Tokyo was visit this museum. So planned it yesterday. Then I discovered it was a public holiday. So I juggled other plans and decided to go today. Checked trip advisor and it said it's open today. So big trip on a few different trains, get to the door. Greeted by a big 'closed today' sign. WTF!? Apparently they like to stay closed the day after a public holiday! And I leave Tokyo in a few hours. The ONE AND ONLY museum I wanted to visit and its always damn closed. Utterly seething.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Se uno volesse visitare il museo senza guida, ci sono didascalie in inglese?
Written January 25, 2020
Hi, We are planning to visit the Edo Tokyo Museum in June this year. Do they accept a credit card at the front desk to pay for the pass and/or admission fees? Thank you so much for the information.
Written March 25, 2019
We used our credit card just fine when we needed to.
Written August 26, 2019
Ciao. Per prenotare una visita con una guida volontaria cosa si deve fare ? E' necessario presentarsi direttamente al museo ? Esiste un indirizzo mail ?
Chiedo inoltre se potrebbero bastare due ore per una visita sufficientemente interessante del museo.
Grazie
Written March 2, 2019
Ciao,
in due ore il museo lo giri se corri. Con la guida ce ne vogliono circa tre.
La visita con la guida volontaria (in inglese) non c'è bisogno di prenotarla. Una volta comprato il biglietto ed entrati nella parte espositiva del museo, c'è un banchetto con le guide in attesa. Basta andare lì e chiedere se c'è qualcuno disponibile (in giapponese o in inglese).
Written March 13, 2019
I´m visiting the museum next saturday, and I need to use the coin Lockers available, do you know if I can fit a Carry On laugagge? or if you know the size of the locker and tell me, I will be very grateful!
Written April 1, 2018
I already visited the museum. The lockers are small, not suitable for a carry on. But they can store bigger luggage at the ticketing counter by the coin lockers they have a special room for that. 😉
Written April 9, 2018
Será aberto na semana do feriado do ano novo no Japão?
Written December 27, 2017
The museum is currently closed until March 2018.
Written October 16, 2017
I read the museum will be closed from 1st October 2017 till 31st March 2018. Its a shame i was really looking forward to visiting, is there any other museum in Tokyo focusing on the edo period? TIA
Written July 4, 2017
I do not know about another museum. This is certainly a very special exhibition and I do not believe there is a "duplicate". The museum is quite new, so it is really unbelievable that they are closing completely for renovation for such a long period.
Written July 4, 2017
We'll be seeing the museum one morning, then going to an appointment.
Can we return to the museum later that day on the same ticket?
Written February 14, 2017
I don't think so as the ticket does not have any information of owner. If you want to visit again, please ask the ticketing desk for this situation if they will accept. As Japanese people are so kind to foreigners, it is also possible that they can accept your request.
Written February 14, 2017
How long would you need to explore this museum?
Written February 3, 2017
Would also recommend a minimum of 3 -4 hours and use the free volunteer guide service. But you could - as I did - easily spend a whole day there.
Written February 3, 2017
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