A rare opportunity to experience the city’s architectural history in an immersive, outdoor setting.

Located in Koganei Park in western Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum was established to preserve structures threatened by redevelopment or decay. The museum exhibits historically and culturally important buildings from the early Edo period (1650s) to the mid Showa period (1950s). Each building has been carefully relocated and reconstructed to form a “recreated townscape” that tells the story of Tokyo’s transformation from a feudal capital to a modern metropolis.

Among the most notable buildings are the Tokiwadai Photo Studio, a nostalgic reminder of pre-war portrait photography; the Former Takahashi Korekiyo Residence, once home to Japan’s prime minister; the “Kodakara-yu” Public Bathhouse and the House of Georg de Lalande, a beautifully designed Western-style residence now hosting a cozy café serving coffee and food. Walking through the museum feels like moving through different centuries: each street, façade, and interior is carefully restored. Most of the exhibits can be entered and explored, so remember to wear shoes that can be easily slipped on and off. The museum is located within the large Koganei Park, and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an extremely peaceful and immersive experience. The effect is something like time travel, as the atmosphere and details transport you directly into Tokyo’s past. All photos courtesy of Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum