The Shitamachi Museum in Ueno, Tokyo was established to preserve and showcase the history, culture, and daily life of the common citizens of Edo, also known as the Shitamachi.
The museum gives you a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Tokyo’s shitamachi district and gain insights into the everyday lives of the people who lived there.
The museum is just a 5-minute walk from Ueno station and inside you can explore the exhibits and displays that showcase the culture, traditions, and practices of the people who lived in the district.
Key Takeaways
- The museum is in Ueno Near Ueno Park at southeast of Shonobazu pond
- Has a life-size reproduction of a Shitamachi street
- The Shitamachi Museum Annex is a separate facility that looks at the shitamachi district during the post-World War II period.
- The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and admission fees vary depending on the age and nationality of the visitor.
- Adults: 300 yen, High School Students: 200 yen, Junior High School Students and younger: free
Exhibits and Collections
The Shitamachi Museum is a small but informative museum that gives visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of Tokyo during the Edo period. The museum’s exhibits and collections focus on the history and culture of the Shitamachi district, which was the working-class area of Tokyo during this time.
One of the museum’s main exhibits is a life-size reproduction of a Shitamachi street with storefronts, homes, and a local shrine. You can walk through the street and see how people lived, worked, and worshiped during the Edo period. The museum also has a collection of artifacts, including tools, clothing, and household items, that provide a glimpse into daily life during that time.
In addition to the street exhibit and artifact collection, the museum also has a theater that screens short films about the history of the Shitamachi district. These films provide context and background information for the exhibits and collections on display.
Overall, the exhibits and collections at the Shitamachi Museum offer a fascinating look into the history and culture of Tokyo’s working-class district during the Edo period. You can gain a deeper understanding of what life was like during that time and how it has influenced modern-day Tokyo.
History of Shitamachi
The museum was opened in 1980 and is dedicated to preserving the traditional culture and way of life of Tokyo’s Shitamachi district. The Shitamachi wich literally means “Down Town” was the working-class area of Tokyo during the Edo period and the Meiji period. The museum’s exhibits showcase the daily life, customs, and traditions of the people who lived and worked in the Shitamachi district during this time.
The Shitamachi district was known for its lively and bustling atmosphere, with many small businesses, shops, and restaurants lining the streets. The district was also home to many artisans, craftsmen, and merchants who worked in industries such as textiles, paper-making, and brewing. Shitamachi was a center of commerce and culture, and it played an important role in the development of Tokyo as a major city.
Over the years, the Shitamachi district has undergone many changes. The district was heavily damaged during World War II, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks were destroyed.
In the post-war period, the district underwent a process of modernization and development, and many of its traditional buildings and customs were lost. Today, the Shitamachi Museum serves as a reminder of this rich cultural heritage and gives you a glimpse into the past.
Location and Hours
The Shitamachi Museum is a small museum in Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is situated in a corner of the park near Shinobazu Pond. The museum is easy to get to, with the nearest station being Ueno Station.
The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm. It is closed on Mondays, and on the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday. Admission fees are 300 JPY for adults and 100 JPY for high, junior high, and elementary school students.
check the museum’s website for any updates on their hours and closures before visiting. The museum is a popular attraction for tourists and Tokyoites, so it can get crowded during peak hours.
The museum also has friendly volunteers who staff the museum and are available to answer any questions visitors may have.
Visitor Information
Below is some important information for visitors:
| Hours | 9:30am－4:30pm (last admission at 4:00pm） |
|---|---|
| Closed | Monday (Open on holiday Mondays and closed on the following Tuesday) |
| Admission Fee | Adults: 300 yen, High School Students: 200 yen, Junior High School Students and younger: free |
