Shitamachi Museum

This is a small but cosy museum. It tells a nice history of Shitamachi from the late-1800s to the early-1900s, and how the great earthquake and the war shaped the area and its growth (though it doesn't seem comfortable using the word, "war"). There's a nice recreation of what living in the 1800s look like with a digital screen to depict life at that time. It's on a much smaller scale than some other recreations in Tokyo, but it's nice and cosy nonetheless. It's quite a nice museum to visit, very well curated, and with heart.

It’s a small museum spread across three floors, but I genuinely enjoyed my time here. One of the highlights for me was the replica of traditional Japanese homes—it really made me feel like I’d been transported to a simpler time. My favorite was the second-floor exhibit, which presented a timeline of everyday Japanese life leading up to the present. The third floor focused more on the war and post-WWII period. As someone from a country that was under Imperial Japan during World War II, it was eye-opening to see what life was like in Japan at that time. It reminded me that in war, there are no real victors—only people who suffer. I left with a deeper sense of empathy and hope that we continue striving for a world with more understanding and compassion for one another.

New museum illustrating life in this part of Tokyo. Helpful insights for a foreigner. It's very well presented, entertaining and informative. You can even learn how to use an abacacus.

Small but very cute and a lot of thought and heart went into this museum. We got a guided tour of the first floor for free, not sure if that is always on offer. The first floor is a recreated set of houses to explore and the second floor uses artefacts and interpretive panels (with English translations) to learn about the history and culture of the Shitamachi area of Tokyo. One hour would be more than enough to see and read everything in the museum. It was recently renovated so everything is very clean and up to date.

This is a small but very interesting museum with some wonderful recreations of streets and buildings. I learnt quite a lot, especially about the earthquakes that have caused so much damage over the years. There are actual seismographs in the building. There's a small charge to get in but it is well worth it as this is a great way to spend an hour or so. It's also right next to the zoo so between the two and some food, this could be the perfect way to use one of your vacation days.

An interesting museum sutuated at the entrance to the park. Fascinating view into social life in Japan.

After spending time wandering through beautiful Ueno Park we decided to visit this little museum on the edge of the park. After paying the entry fee we were approached by a Japanese lady who offered her services as a free guide to the exhibits on the first floor. She spoke excellent English and had a very engaging manner as a guide. Two other couples joined as we progressed through the exhibits and our guide Mika communicated well with everyone. It was a wonderful addition to what was already a lovely and well-organised museum. Recommended for a visit when you go to Ueno Park.

Small museum covering the culture of the area. We had a fantastic guide (Fuji), and he described first-floor exhibits. He added information about his personal memories, which was really interesting. We explored the 2nd and 3rd floors alone. We spent about an hour and paid 300 yen each for adults.

Small museum. Staff very friendly. English speaking tour guide available. She was walking around and explaining things to everyone. Handouts are available at each viewing station. See pics. Also, if you take your shoes off, you can go inside each exhibit and relive the experience on your own. First floor is an exhibit of traditional homes and living styles. Really enjoyed this. Second floor is less interesting. There are some children's games and puzzles that I could not solve. There are quite a few old photos. Not much explanation upstairs but was good to see those old photos of after the fire. Bathroom is clean. There is no parking. Entrance looks toward the park. Gift shop has nice postcards and have stamps available as well. It was a nice way to spend an hour and the price was reasonable.