Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
Things to do in Tokyo, Kanto: The Best History Museums
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Edo-Tokyo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,176 reviews
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. ※As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Edo Tokyo Museum will suspend or cancel museum-organized exhibitions and other events from April 25 (Sun) to May 31 (Tue).
Reviewed By stephanied623 - Milwaukee, United States
When we went, we chose a Saturday to see the live re-enactment of Edo-period music and dance. (Found those details on Peatix) and we were not disappointed! So beautiful! The museum itself was also very impressive. Loved the Bridge and Home Replicas, a few interactive exhibits to touch and try, and the audio guide fits on one ear and starts talking about the exhibit you are near by tapping it to the sign or walking near. Very wonderful sights and experiences here. Beautiful views and explanations and simply an amazing museum all around!
2. Tokyo National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,192 reviews
This famous museum houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. With over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000, exhibits are rotated constantly
Reviewed By E9706FNpaulo - County Monaghan, Ireland
Located at the top of Ueno Park this is a very large museum and is worth a visit to get a real appreciation of Japanese history and culture. My time was limited so only got to see a portion of worth I wanted to see but would definitely return if back in Tokyo.
3. Fukagawa Edo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
See village life in 19th-century Fukagawa in this reproduction village of traditional homes, inns, fish and produce stores, complete with an ambient sound track and seasonal plants and weather.
Reviewed By 144leandad - Townsville, Australia
We stumbled upon this fantastic museum by accident as we were heading back to the Metro after visiting a nearby Sumo stable, Oguruma-beya. The entry price is only 400 yen, it's worth every penny. Inside they have re-created an Edo (old Tokyo) town, the attention to detail is magnificent. There are several English speaking guides who are all too happy to show you around (no charge) and I'd recommend this; you'll see all the small details you would miss on your own, plus learn a lot of history. Special thanks to our wonderful guide Nagano Higachi; you are very special lady and we enjoyed our time with you very much x
4. Marquis Maeda Old Western Style House
5. Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By TXUAN
If you love exploring about history, knowing about other culture and other's lifestyle, then this museum is for you. A wide range of things to discover, and it could take you the whole day wondering in every corner of the museam. Also, the landscape around the museum is so wonderful, you can take hundreds of beautiful photo. Better go there in Autumn.
6. Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art
7. Waseda University Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum
8. Shokeikan
9. Minato city local history museum
10. Shitamachi Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By matthew330
We went with my 9 year old grand daughter on a terribly raining miserable day. It saved the day for us. The guide in English told us so many wonderful things about living in Japan 100 years ago and taught Maeve how to pray at a shrine, which we did later! After gleamingly new Tokyo, learning about the old days was awesome. The second floor was self guided and included many Japanese toys from 100 years ago. My grand daughter played for well overrun hour with the choices and had a ball. Also upstairs were exhibitions from the early 20th century providing insights into the earthquake of 1924 and bombing of WW 2 that devastated the area. On a miserable weather day, our trip to the museum made this a memorable morning and afternoon.
