The interesting part of the exhibition are large-scale models of
old Edo, starting with the Nihonobashi Bridge.
Then, there is a beautifully detailed model of Edo castle:
Plus depictions of everyday life in the old city, complete with
scenes on the streets, at the market and on the river.
Since I haven't seen a kabuki play yet, and probably won't get
a chance to see one at all, I got an idea of what its setting and
the costumes might look like:
But the museum is not called Edo-Tokyo for nothing. Period after
Edo and Tokyo's transformation into the modern city were also covered,
although I didn't find that nearly as interesting, especially the
sad stories of the earthquake (which, btw, we experienced again
today) and the WWII bombings. The museum offers free guided English-speaking
tours lead by volunteers. I didn't ask for one, their incessant
chatting would have driven me nuts, but I listneed in on other people's
tours for few minutes here and there. I noticed that guides accompanying
Americans would fall rather quiet upon reaching the WWII section.
Outside the rain had finally stopped and instead of looking for
another indoor activity I decided to go for a walk.
Complete album: Edo-Tokyo
Museum