The Edo-Tokyo Museum (hereinafter referred to as Edohaku) opened on March 28, 1993 as a place to look back on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and to think about the city and life of the future. To date, it has been visited by many people from both within Japan and overseas.
Approximately 30 years have passed since its opening, but Edo Museum is currently closed until spring 2026 (scheduled) due to large-scale renovation work. As a result, as with last year, some of the permanent exhibition rooms that are currently closed to the public will be exhibited at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno.
This exhibition will feature a compilation of parts of the permanent exhibition room on the lobby and first floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum’s 4th Public Exhibition Room. The exhibition will focus on experience models of familiar items such as the “Senryobako” (a box of treasures) and “Rickshaws,” as well as related materials. In addition, in the 4th Public Exhibition Room on the second floor, a special exhibition will be held introducing the history and changing scenery of Ueno, where the exhibition is being held, through nishiki-e and postcards.
We hope that you will enjoy viewing the diverse Edo Museum collection at this exhibition and experience the charm of our museum and the history and culture of Edo Tokyo.
■Exhibition Structure and Main Exhibits
1. An exhibition that condenses the essence of the permanent exhibition
The permanent exhibition room of the Edo-Tokyo Museum is roughly divided into the “Edo Zone” and the “Tokyo Zone,” and is made up of 20 sections. This exhibition will compactly introduce the sections “Edo Castle and Street Layout,” “Town Life,” and “Edo Commerce” from the “Edo Zone,” and “Civilization and Enlightenment in Tokyo” and “The Industrial Revolution and Tokyo” from the “Tokyo Zone.”
“Otemon Gate, Old Edo Castle, Glass Photographic Print” (Panel Display) Photographed by Matsusaburo Yokoyama, 1871 (Meiji 4)
“Picture of the Twenty-Sixth Night of Amusement at Takanawa, a Famous Place in the Eastern Capital” (Banner Display) Painting by Utagawa Hiroshige, circa 1841-1842
“Tokyo Kaiun Bridge: Mitsui Group’s First National Bank House” (Banner display) Painting by Utagawa Yoshitora, early Meiji period
“Tokyo Nihonbashi View” (Banner display) by Utagawa Yoshitora, early Meiji period
2. Exhibit the familiar hands-on model from the permanent exhibition
When you think of Edo Museum, many people probably think of interactive models. This exhibition will feature interactive models such as rickshaws, treasure chests, and tricycles.
Rickshaw (reproduction) Meiji period
■Special exhibit: “The changing landscape of Ueno”
“One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Shitaya Hirokoji” by Utagawa Hiroshige, September 1856 (Ansei 3)
The Ueno Park area, which represents Ueno, is also known as “Ueno Mountain” as it is located on the edge of the Musashino Plateau. During the Edo period, the grounds of Kan’ei-ji Temple expanded and it was a religious sanctuary for the Tokugawa Shogunate with numerous sub-temples. In contrast to “Ueno Mountain,” Ueno Yamashita and Shitaya Hirokoji (Ueno Hirokoji), located in the lowlands at the foot of the mountain, prospered as temple towns for Kan’ei-ji Temple. After repeated major fires, firebreaks were established in each area to prevent the fires from spreading, and Shitaya Hirokoji became one of Edo’s most popular entertainment districts, with town houses and Ueno Yamashita lined with shops and show booths.
Later, in the Ueno War of 1868, a large part of Kan’ei-ji Temple was burned down, and Ueno transformed into a place symbolizing the Meiji government’s modernization policy. When Ueno Park opened on the former site of Kan’ei-ji Temple, it became the venue for various expositions and exhibitions, including the National Industrial Exposition, and promoted Japanese industry and culture. Furthermore, with the construction of the railway and the opening of Ueno Station, Ueno became a key transportation hub, and Ueno Yamashita and Shitaya Hirokoji became major downtown areas where people gathered.
This exhibition will introduce the history of Ueno and the transition of its scenery through nishiki-e prints, postcards, etc. Please enjoy watching Ueno change with the times.
“The Departure of the Tokyo Ueno Railway Steam Locomotive” by Yasuji Inoue, Meiji Period, 19th Century
“Bronze Statue of Saigo Takamori at Ueno Sannodai” by Yosai Enichi, 1899
■ Related businesses
● Workshop “Kabuki Sounds: Percussion Experience” [Numbered tickets distributed]
Experience the various instruments that underpin traditional performing arts such as Kabuki.
Date and time: Sunday, February 23rd (National Holiday) 1st session: 11:00am-12:00pm 2nd session: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Venue: 1st floor, Exhibition Room 4
Capacity: 20 people per session
*Numbered tickets will be distributed 30 minutes before each start time in the 4th Public Exhibition Room on the 1st floor.
*If small children are participating, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
●Special exhibition “The Changing Landscape of Ueno” Gallery Talk [No prior registration required]
A curator will provide an explanation about the special exhibition “The Changing Landscape of Ueno.”
Date and time: Monday, February 24th (substitute holiday) 2pm
Venue: 2nd floor, Exhibition Room 4
*Please gather at the entrance to the 4th Exhibition Room on the 2nd floor by the start time.
● Press release for the “Traveling Edo-Tokyo Museum” exhibition (PDF)
d38211-752-45f34de6a96a5bcc9e2f4f1a9fe7c2e7.pdf
Inquiries regarding public relations for the off-site exhibition “Edo-Tokyo Museum”
Edo-Tokyo Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Management Division, Business Promotion Section
1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015 TEL: 03-3626-9907 FAX: 03-3626-8001
Email: kouhou@edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
