Edo is the old name for Tokyo, and the museum’s name reflects its focus on modern-day Tokyo’s history. Most of the buildings date from the Meiji era (1868-1912), but there’s a wide variety of styles on display, from thatched-roof cottages to modernist constructions to a faux-Tudor house. Visitors can wander freely into the buildings and check out the places that interest them most. Visit with a photography tour that includes transportation.
There is an admission fee to enter the park.
The museum in general is wheelchair-accessible, although some buildings are not.
A café for snacks and drinks and a restaurant for full meals are on-site.
The museum is in Koganei Park, about a half-hour by train from Shinjuku in central Tokyo. Take the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hana-Koganei station, or the JR Chuo Line to Musashi-Koganei station. From either station, the park is a 20- to 30-minute walk away.
Opening hours vary, depending on the season, so check the park’s website before visiting. The museum is closed Monday (unless Monday is a public holiday, in which case it is closed the following day). The gardens surrounding the park buildings are especially attractive in spring and summer, with a variety of flowers and trees. The museum holds a number of events throughout the year, including demonstrations of traditional crafts and special events for kids.
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is a branch of the Edo-Tokyo Museum in central Tokyo’s Ryogoku area. The latter presents the history of Tokyo during the important Edo period through miniature and full-scale reenactments of daily life. It’s generally considered to be one of the best history museums in a city with many museums.
