Edo-Tokyo Museum

To truly absorb the rich tapestry of Tokyo’s past at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, timing and a bit of planning do matter. Mornings are typically quieter, and a weekday visit dodges the weekend crowds. The museum sits conveniently a stone’s throw from the JR Ryogoku Station, making it easily accessible by train, the lifeline of the city.

• Best time to visit: Early morning, weekdays
• How to get there: Close to JR Ryogoku Station on the Sobu Line
• Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
• Average visit duration: Around 2 to 3 hours

The heart of the museum is its permanent exhibition, featuring elaborate scale models and life-sized replicas of bridges, houses, and even theaters from Edo. Don’t miss the Nihonbashi Bridge replica at the entrance – once a vital commercial hub during the Tokugawa regime. For a deeper dive, the interactive exhibits, especially those that allow you to step into traditional attire, add a fun, insightful twist to your visit.

• Key sights: Replica of the Nihonbashi Bridge, scale models of Edo
• Unique experiences: Dressing up in Edo period costumes
• Photo-worthy locations: The Edo street scene reproduction
• Cultural facts: Learn about Tokyo’s evolution from a fishing village to a bustling metropolis