Edo-Tokyo Museum

Whenever we have friends visiting, we ask them what they would like to do.  When they don't have something specific that they request, we try to think up something fun for everyone.  A lot of times we go places we have been before.  We have already "tested" out the area and it's easier to show them around.  But sometimes we venture out into new areas, taking a chance of it being a fun experience for everyone.

Today we met friends that are visiting from the US.  The couple have 3 young children, so we needed someplace interesting for a wide range of ages.  I gave the task to my husband, as he is much better at researching new activities, taking into account how everyone gets there and other important details.  For today's excursion, he chose the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

This history museum is filled with dioramas and life-size models representing the city for a common person during the Edo period.  There is also exhibits showing modern day Japan.  Edo is the former name of Tokyo.  It changed it's name in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration.  Many people are fascinated by the Edo period of Japan, a time a great change.

One thing I really liked about the dioramas were the binoculars. 

They let you look really close to the detailed works of art.

Many guidebooks recommend this particular museum.  After seeing it today, I understand why!  It is an amazing museum.  The level of detail that went into creating the exhibits is so admirable.  There is a huge wooden bridge inside the museum, along with many life-size buildings.  Some of the buildings have scenes depicting everyday life and others patrons can walk through. 

The museum is huge and we couldn't get through everything.  There was too much and the attention span of the kids wouldn't allow us to spend more than 2 hours.  Honestly, I was getting pretty tired after 2 hours.  However, I will happily return to this museum again and again.  There are so many interesting things to see and learn!  We all walked away feeling like it was time well spent.

One of the best things about visitors is taking them to see different parts of this crazy, busy city we live in.  There is something for everyone here.  You just need to do a little bit of research to find what peaks your interest.