The Osaka Museum of History is now on our list for our next visit at the end of the year - thank you. (Although we’ve been to the Edo/Tokyo museum a couple of times, we plan to see the revamped version too.)
Like you I have visited twice before (fantastic place to visit with a kid) and am looking forward to visiting again when I am in Tokyo. Looks like they kept most of the good stuff
The renovated museum sounds strongest when it treats Tokyo as a series of rebuilt daily systems rather than only a timeline of major events. The bridge into Edo, the kabuki theatre interior, the post-earthquake apartment, and even the school-lunch display all make history feel lived at different scales. I also appreciate your note that the museum rewards time; this does not sound like a place to rush through between landmarks.
Embarrassingly, I have never been to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
I found it so interesting, and I was surprised when I saw the diagram about the life of Edo townspeople. After Shu was born, we celebrated omiyamairi and okuizome, and later, shichi-go-san. These traditions have very old roots, but they were already part of family life in the Edo period.
No matter the era, the feeling of wanting to celebrate a child’s growth does not seem to change.
The good news is that now we don't have to celebrate the fact that our children have somehow managed to survive until the age of three or five, like they did when life was harder than now.
Thanks for the review Gianni. I was not aware that the refurb was finally done! The Museum is solidly on my list for the next Tokyo visit later this year.
Western-style architecture in Japan during the Meiji period. Not a bad subject in itself - I'm interested in architecture myself - so it may be worth checking out if you have enough stamina. Just keep in mind that the permanent exhibition alone will keep you busy.
Looks fascinating and a lot like the similar Osaka Museum of History in the NHK building by Osaka Castle. That's also well worth a visit
Yes, I went there when I traveled to Osaka a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.
The Osaka Museum of History is now on our list for our next visit at the end of the year - thank you. (Although we’ve been to the Edo/Tokyo museum a couple of times, we plan to see the revamped version too.)
Indeed. No matter how many times you go, they are always a lot of fun.
Like you I have visited twice before (fantastic place to visit with a kid) and am looking forward to visiting again when I am in Tokyo. Looks like they kept most of the good stuff
Yes, I honestly don’t remember what was replaced, but the new version is very good.
I love a good museum. Good to know that they have a comprehensive library to go with it. My idea of a great day out.
Yes, I guess we would spend the whole time at the library.
The renovated museum sounds strongest when it treats Tokyo as a series of rebuilt daily systems rather than only a timeline of major events. The bridge into Edo, the kabuki theatre interior, the post-earthquake apartment, and even the school-lunch display all make history feel lived at different scales. I also appreciate your note that the museum rewards time; this does not sound like a place to rush through between landmarks.
Indeed. The biggest challenge, for me, is to pace myself so I’m not completely tired at the midway point.
Embarrassingly, I have never been to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
I found it so interesting, and I was surprised when I saw the diagram about the life of Edo townspeople. After Shu was born, we celebrated omiyamairi and okuizome, and later, shichi-go-san. These traditions have very old roots, but they were already part of family life in the Edo period.
No matter the era, the feeling of wanting to celebrate a child’s growth does not seem to change.
The good news is that now we don't have to celebrate the fact that our children have somehow managed to survive until the age of three or five, like they did when life was harder than now.
This is a great overview, Gianni, and certainly whets my appetite for a future visit.
Thanks Jeff, I’m looking forward to hearing your opinion.
Ooh, loved our visit here in 2003 or 2004. I hope to visit again. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Glad you enjoyed our virtual visit!
Great, Gianni! I'm vsiting Tokyo in September/Ocotober and was uncertain of visiting the museum. Your post helped me to change my mind!
Glad you found my post useful. Hope you’ll enjoy it!
This is right up my street! And being shown around by someone like you makes it all the more fun and interesting.
Vieni, ti aspetto!
Eh, se potessi, sarei già lì. Grazie, Gianni, il Giappone per me è un sogno che spero diventerà realtà.
Per me, invece, con lo yen cosi debole, venire in Europa sta diventando sempre piu’ difficile.
Oddio, siamo entrambi poverelli!😭 Speriamo ardentemente in un futuro migliore.🤞🏻🍀
Thank you. I will definitely check it out when I visit Tokyo in August.
I appreciate the heads up. Although I probably won't be going until November, advance purchase always seems like the way to go.
Thanks for the review. I haven’t visited the museum after the huge renovation. It was a nice preview for me.
Knowing your love for Tokyo, you should definitely go. It's amazing it only costs 800 yen.
Thanks for the review Gianni. I was not aware that the refurb was finally done! The Museum is solidly on my list for the next Tokyo visit later this year.
Thanks Mike. Beware of the long lines at the entrance. You may want to buy your tickets online.
I can’t wait to revisit this museum! Thanks for the review. What was the subject of the special exhibition?
Western-style architecture in Japan during the Meiji period. Not a bad subject in itself - I'm interested in architecture myself - so it may be worth checking out if you have enough stamina. Just keep in mind that the permanent exhibition alone will keep you busy.
Thanks Jeff, I’m looking forward to hearing your opinion.