You might hear the name Edo-Tokyo Museum and wonder, What is “Edo,” anyway? You are not alone.

“Edo” is the former name of what we now call Tokyo. The area where today’s Imperial Palace stands was once Edo Castle, the seat of power for the Tokugawa shoguns. For roughly 260 years, from 1603 to 1868, Japan was ruled from here. This period is known as the Edo period.

It was an era that shaped much of what people associate with Japan today. Sushi and tempura took root as everyday foods. Kabuki theater and ukiyo-e woodblock prints flourished. A vibrant merchant culture emerged, giving rise to fashion, entertainment, and city life that still influence Tokyo’s identity.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum brings this story to life by tracing nearly 400 years of history, from Edo to modern Tokyo. Walking through the exhibits feels less like reading a timeline and more like stepping into a time machine that shows how a samurai-era city grew into one of the world’s most dynamic capitals.

This reopening is more than a refresh. It is a full rethink of how visitors experience Tokyo’s past.

The renovation was overseen by world-renowned architect Shohei Shigematsu, who supervised the spatial design with a focus on immersion. At the ground-floor approach, a striking object inspired by a torii gate now marks the transition from modern Tokyo into the world of Edo, setting the tone from the moment you arrive.

Inside, the museum leans heavily into large-scale visuals. Dynamic projections using items from the collection appear throughout the space, while the permanent galleries feature immersive sky imagery that shifts between Edo-era and contemporary Tokyo. The result is a more atmospheric, cinematic way to move through history.

One of the biggest crowd-pleasers is the expanded Edo streetscape. New stall displays, including an asagao (morning glory) seller and a tempura stand, recreate the everyday bustle of the old city. Visitors can also step inside the legendary kabuki playhouse Nakamuraza, offering a rare look at what theatergoing was like centuries ago.

Behind the scenes, major upgrades were made as well. Both the interior and exterior have been renewed, the massive roof improved for insulation and waterproofing, and climate control systems modernized. Energy efficiency has been enhanced, and barrier-free access has been significantly improved, making the Edo-Tokyo Museum more comfortable and accessible for all visitors.

The museum's offerings extend beyond exhibits to the D!G TOKYO gift shop and revamped dining venues.

This Japanese dining restaurant serves classic Edomae flavors such as soba, tempura, and sushi, alongside Western-style dishes that originated in Japan, all in a clean, modern setting.

A calm stop for after your tour, offering charming Japanese sweets and matcha-based desserts, ideal for a relaxed break before heading back into the city.

Watch this video to see the exhibits from the Edo-Tokyo Museum before its renovation (note: this is not the Oedo Museum). Given the scale of the museum, you will need at least one hour to explore. We highly recommend adding this to your 2026 Tokyo itinerary now!

Q1.When will the museum be open to the public?
A: March 31, 2026.

Q2.How do I get to the museum?
A: 3-min walk from JR Ryogoku Station West Exit.
　 1-min walk from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station Exit A3/A4.

Q3.What is the admission fee?
A: Adults: 800 yen, Seniors (65+): 400 yen, Students: 300-480 yen, Junior High & below: Free.

Image Source & Press Release: Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture (via PR TIMES)