Shitamachi Museum, Tokyo
The Shitamachi Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of working-class Japanese people living in Tokyo during the 1920s and 30s, a period just before World War II. Its primary aim is to preserve a way of life that has largely disappeared in modern times. Shitamachi was an area situated in the vicinity of Edo Castle, characterized by its small wooden tenements where merchants, craftsmen, sailors, and fishermen resided. Today, Asakusa is the only remaining area that still retains some semblance of the Shitamachi lifestyle.
This museum offers an authentic representation of life and the culture of old Edo, showcasing original exhibits donated by former residents. It was first opened to the public in 1980 and consists of two levels. As you enter, you'll encounter a replica of a merchant's house, where wooden clogs known as Geta were crafted and sold. Additionally, there's a hand-pulled cart or rickshaw, which was a common mode of transportation in old Edo. Nearby, you'll find an old tenement shared by two families who operated shops. Adjacent to the house, there's a well and a washing board reminiscent of those used in old Edo.
On the second floor, you'll discover individual exhibits, including toys, artifacts, kitchen utensils, board games, and various pots and pans used during festivals. One notable exhibit is the entrance to a Japanese public bath known as the Sento, generously donated by its original owner.
This museum offers an authentic representation of life and the culture of old Edo, showcasing original exhibits donated by former residents. It was first opened to the public in 1980 and consists of two levels. As you enter, you'll encounter a replica of a merchant's house, where wooden clogs known as Geta were crafted and sold. Additionally, there's a hand-pulled cart or rickshaw, which was a common mode of transportation in old Edo. Nearby, you'll find an old tenement shared by two families who operated shops. Adjacent to the house, there's a well and a washing board reminiscent of those used in old Edo.
On the second floor, you'll discover individual exhibits, including toys, artifacts, kitchen utensils, board games, and various pots and pans used during festivals. One notable exhibit is the entrance to a Japanese public bath known as the Sento, generously donated by its original owner.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Shitamachi Museum on Map
Sight Name: Shitamachi Museum
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tokyo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Yanaka Walking Tour
A bit away from Downtown Tokyo, Yanaka is a hidden spot with a lot to offer. This neighborhood is known for its narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, and old-style shops. Having largely escaped the damage of World War II, Yanaka exudes the last-century charm of Tokyo's old town ambiance.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour
The Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese Emperor, is a vast expanse of green in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by moats. The palace stands on the site previously occupied by the Edo Castle, in the 17th–19th centuries. While the royal residential compound is closed for visitors (except for two days a year – January 1st and December 23rd), a big part of the palace grounds, including... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Ginza Shopping Tour
Often compared with New York's Fifth Avenue, Ginza is the most luxurious shopping district in Tokyo. Its two main avenues running through the area, Chuo-dori Street and Harumi-dori Street, are lined with high-end boutiques, enormous department stores, and flagship stores of renowned international brands carrying a wealth of merchandise, from fashion and jewelry to electronics and cosmetics.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Asakusa District Walking Tour
The Asakusa district is one of the few places in Tokyo that retains the old world's charm. Known as Tokyo's oldest geisha district, this neighborhood houses narrow streets, temple markets, traditional shops and restaurants that collectively create the air of old Tokyo.
At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shibuya Walking Tour
The Shibuya district is a shopping and entertainment mecca for fashion-conscious and trendy teenagers. Synonymous with Japan's youth vogue and fun in general, the streets of Shibuya are lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs. On weekends, crowds of youngsters converge here, dressed up in a myriad of colors and styles, set out to socialize and have a good time.
One of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Ueno Park Walking Tour
Ueno Park, found next to the Ueno subway station in Tokyo, is a sprawling urban oasis. Home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, each year during the cherry blossom season (between late March and early April) it becomes a site of pilgrimage equally popular with locals and tourists.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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