About
In the western part of Tokyo, in a lush corner of Koganei Park in Koganei City, there is a place where the passage of time is quietly marked. This is the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where buildings from the Edo period to the early Showa era are brought to life. Within this vast site, 30 historical structures relocated and restored from various parts of Tokyo stand side by side, inviting visitors to journey back to bygone eras.
As you walk through the grounds, you will come across the Yoshino House, a farmhouse from the Edo period. Under its thatched roof, the smoke rising from the hearth is recreated, vividly reviving the rural lifestyle of that time. Next to it stands the Kotobukiyu public bath from the early Showa era. Its magnificent shrine-style exterior and tiled bath inside tell the story of a place where ordinary people once found relaxation.
Further on, you will encounter the residence of Takahashi Korekiyo, a politician from the Meiji era. Characterized by its blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles, this house, which was also the site of the February 26 Incident, conveys a sense of historical gravity. At the Tokiwadai Photo Studio from the early Showa period, the photographic technology of the time and scenes of family commemorative photography are faithfully recreated.
The buildings within the museum are not mere exhibits. Inside each structure, period-appropriate household goods and furniture are arranged, creating spaces that feel as if time has stood still. Visitors can feel the texture of tatami underfoot, smell the scent of wood, and immerse themselves in thoughts of past lives.
The changing seasons also enhance the charm of this place. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom; in summer, leafy shade brings coolness. Autumn colors the grounds with vibrant foliage, and in winter, a snowy landscape unfolds in tranquil silence. With its ever-changing appearance, this place offers new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
Additionally, demonstrations of traditional crafts and seasonal events are held within the museum. Experiences such as origami classes and making pinwheels are available for both children and adults, allowing visitors to feel Japanese culture firsthand.
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is more than just a museum. It is a bridge connecting past and present, a place where culture is passed on to the future. By visiting here, we can touch the wisdom and lives of our predecessors and reaffirm our own roots. We can also rediscover the beauty of architecture that transcends eras and the preciousness of human endeavor.
Why not let yourself be carried by the flow of time and feel the breath of the past in this place, a little removed from the bustle of Tokyo? Surely, new discoveries and moving experiences await you.