Shitamachi Museum Takes You Back in Time
If you have ever wondered what it was like to live in Tokyo in times past then make some time to visit the Shitamachi Museum in Ueno.
The term shitamachi means “low town” and is a reference to the low lying area along the Sumida River where the working class people of Edo made their home prior to World War II. I have also heard the word translated as “downtown” and this would be an apt description of the hustle and bustle of this district.
As one would expect, the lifestyle in Ueno and Asakusa, still referred to as shitamachi by some, has changed significantly in the years since World War II. The replica shops and homes in the Shitamachi Museum offer a glimpse into the past and offer insights into what life was like for the working class of Edo. The museum also displays some personal effects of tenement residents which were mostly donated to the museum by the people of the area.
On display you will find, costumes, tools, photos, advertisements and even a rickshaw. On weekends demonstrations of Japanese folk crafts and traditional street picture-story shows are presented and you are always welcome to play with the toys of the era that are displayed on the second floor.
The Shitamachi Museum is not large, you will need less that an hour to see everything, but if you are in the Ueno area it is an hour well spent.
Details:
Website: Shitamachi Museum
Hours: 9:30-16:30, Closed on Mondays
Admission : Adults Y300, High School, Junior High School and Elementary School pupils Y100
Access: A five minute walk from JR, Keisei, Subway Ginza, Hibiya Line Ueno Station. (access map)