For a weekend only, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum is extending its opening hours and throwing a bit of a party complete with food stalls, paper lanterns, bon odori dancing and taiko drumming to recreate typical summer nights of the Showa Era.

If you still haven’t visited the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, you are missing out on one of the most unique museums in Tokyo. Even though it’s a bit out of the way for many of us, those interested in Japanese history and the role of architecture in understanding different periods will find the journey more than worthwhile. The concept is quite unique as the museum is actually outdoors, and it’s located right in the magnificent Koganei park.

All the buildings are characteristic to different historical periods, and a handful are built by famous Japanese architects. Most of the buildings exhibited are from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and more recent times, and include among others, a politician’s elegant former residence, a farm house, a photo studio, a public bathhouse, various shops, restaurants and a police box. You can enter all the buildings and make yourself at home, if you don’t mind slipping in and out of your shoes a dozen times or so…

Summer Evenings at the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Museum (click here for more information)

When: Aug. 3-4, 14:00-20:30

Where: Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum

How much: ¥400 (adults)/¥320 (uni. students) /¥200 (HS and under)


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Main image: Maaserhit Honda