Table of Contents
- Take a Trip Back in Time to Old Tokyo! The “Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum”—Fun for the Whole Family
- Let’s have a blast this afternoon, too! Have a great time at “Koganei Park”
- Where should we go next? Check out these events for kids in Tokyo, too.
Take a Trip Back in Time to Old Tokyo! The “Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum”—Fun for the Whole Family
The “Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum” is an “open-air museum” located on a site approximately 1.5 times the size of the Tokyo Dome, where historic buildings dating from the early Edo period to the mid-Showa period have been relocated and restored for display. Visitors can experience the lifestyle and culture of those eras firsthand, and stepping inside the buildings feels just like taking a trip back in time.
The retro streetscape is a popular photo spot, and there are buildings said to have served as the inspiration for the movie *Spirited Away*, making it a place that both adults and children can enjoy.
The park is divided into three zones—the West Zone, the Central Zone, and the East Zone—and this time, we took a stroll with our children, focusing mainly on the East Zone, which recreates the atmosphere of a traditional downtown neighborhood.
”Kodakara-yu,” a building that epitomizes Tokyo’s public bathhouses
”Kotakara-yu” is a public bathhouse built in Adachi Ward in 1929 (Showa 4).Highlights include the “kara-hafu” roof, reminiscent of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and the large painted murals in the bathing area that symbolize public bath culture. The men’s and women’s sections differ in details such as the designs of the murals and the number of faucets in the washing areas, so it would be fun to explore these differences with your children.
The drawers in the paulownia wood box are a sight to behold! Stationery Store “Takei Sanseido”
Takei Sanseido is a stationery store built in 1927 (Showa 2) following the Great Kanto Earthquake. It is an example of the “signboard architecture” style that became popular after the earthquake; its distinctive feature is that the storefront is decorated with tiles and copper plates, making it look just like a giant signboard.
One feature that particularly catches the eye inside the store is the wall lined with drawers made of paulownia wood, designed to efficiently store calligraphy supplies. It is said to have served as the model for the massive medicine cabinet in the boiler room where Kamaji works in the movie *Spirited Away*.
I’m so excited about the retro streetscape and the streetcars!
There are also plenty of exhibits that children will enjoy, such as “Hanaichi Flower Shop,” which recreates the interior of a shop from the Showa 30s; “Kodera Soy Sauce Shop,” a merchant establishment founded during the Taisho era; and “Yamatoya Main Store,” which recreates the interior of a pre-war dried goods store.
Another highlight is the outdoor exhibits outside the building. The “Toden 7500 Series” tram, located in the East Plaza of the East Zone, was in service during the Showa era and ran from Shibuya Station to Shimbashi, Hamacho-Nakanobashi, and Kanda-Sudacho.You can actually step inside, sit on the vintage tram seats, and gaze out the windows.
Once When you’re hungry, avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely lunch
This morning , After playing and walking around to their hearts’ content, you’ll soon start hearing cries of “I’m hungry!” While enjoying a packed lunch under the blue sky is fun, eating out is another option. If you avoid peak hours when restaurants are crowded, you’ll be able to get seated more easily. This also helps you avoid the common stress of parents with young children—like your little ones getting fussy while you wait.
In the East Zone, on the second floor of the storehouse-style rest area, you can enjoy “Kura,” a restaurant where you can savor traditional local flavors such as handmade Musashino udon noodles . Additionally, at the Musashino Sabo cafe located inside the De Lalande House in the West Zone, you can enjoy tea and meals both inside the house and on the terrace. Furthermore, you are allowed to bring your own food into the park. There are benches with tables where you can spread out your lunch, and there are also free indoor rest areas that are easy to use even on rainy days, so it’s recommended to enjoy a picnic atmosphere while admiring the buildings and flowers.
*Please note that eating and drinking are not permitted inside the restored building.
Must-Know Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum
The appeal of the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum isn’t limited to touring historic buildings. The diverse events held throughout the year are another highlight.
Inside the park, traditional crafts , as well as events that let you experience Japan’s four seasons and daily life—such as wind chime exhibitions and mosquito net-making workshops in the summer, and “komo-maki” decorative knot-tying in the winter. Since there are different ways to enjoy the park depending on the time of year, checking the latest information before your visit will help ensure you have a more fulfilling experience.
Also, to keep you company on your stroll through the park, , the web application “ Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum Viewing Navigator ” ( https://tatemonoen-navi.jp/ ) is also very handy. In addition to letting you check the park map, exhibit descriptions, and accessibility information, , you can also enjoy AR content. If you share the fun facts you learn from the app with your kids, they might even say, “Dad, you’re amazing!”
Another great feature is that the park is equipped with facilities that make it a safe and comfortable place to visit even with small children.The park features multi-purpose restrooms equipped with diaper-changing tables and high chairs, and there is a nursing room in the visitor center. Strollers are available for free rental, and you can use them to get around the park. However, since strollers aren’t allowed inside the buildings, bringing a baby carrier will make it easier to explore.
Also, as a measure against heatstroke , mist showers and parasols and hand fans. When strolling through our spacious grounds, we hope parents and children will enjoy themselves while making sure to stay hydrated frequently.
Let’s have a blast this afternoon, too! Have a great time at “Koganei Park”
After lunch, we headed to Koganei Park, which is adjacent to the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum.Koganei Park, home to a lush variety of trees—including massive zelkova and cherry trees—boasts an area roughly equivalent to 17 Tokyo Domes. It features plenty of areas where parents and children can play together, such as “Wanpaku Plaza,” which has a slide and a Tarzan rope.
When we arrived at the park, my child asked, “Can I run?” and headed for the grassy hill. Since it’s so spacious and the kids can play freely, Dad was on his own keep an eye on them. It’s easy to get around the park with a stroller, and the restrooms are well-equipped with diaper-changing tables and high chairs.
Full of Thrills! A “Sledding Hill” for Parents and Kids to Enjoy Together “
”Sled Hill” is an artificial turf slope exclusively for sledding. With a total length of 35.5 meters and a maximum slope of 17 degrees, allowing you to enjoy a real sense of speed. The recommended age is 6 and up, but children under 6 may use the slope if accompanied by an adult. Sleds are not available for rent, so please bring your own or purchase one at the park’s “ Parks Koganei Store ” or the “BBQ Shop” .
Usage Fee: Free
Hours of Operation : 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed December 29–January 1)
*Closed in case of rain or poor conditions.
Totally hooked on the fun of bouncing! A place to jump and play “Fluffy Dome”
The “Fluffy Dome,” where kids can bounce around on a springy dome, is also hugely popular. On weekends, long lines often form at the entrance. It’s designed for children ages 3 to 12. Adults can sit on the benches around the dome and relax while watching their children play.
Usage Fee: Free
Hours: April–August, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. , September–March: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Capacity: 35 people
Age Range: 3–12 years old
*During peak hours, 15 -minute rotation system
*The facility will be closed in case of rain, high temperatures, or if the surface is wet due to rain or frost, as well as under other adverse conditions.
Where should we go next? Check out these events for kids in Tokyo, too.
After playing to their hearts’ content, it was time to head home. Although they still wanted to play and seemed reluctant to leave, they decided to wrap up the day with “just one more time,” and parents and children alike headed home together. On the way back, they chatted excitedly about the fun places they’d visited and the playground equipment they wanted to try again—it seemed to have been a truly fulfilling outing. Outings like this can also be a great opportunity to increase the time Dad and the child spend together. Why not start with a place that’s easy to get to and create a day where both parent and child think, “We’d love to go back there again”?
In Tokyo, Children children and parents that children and families can enjoy together. Be sure to check them out!
■ 100 Art and Culture Experiences – Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture
Cultural facilities are not only places to appreciate art, but also spaces where you can learn about diverse values and enrich your daily life by interacting with a wide range of people and engaging in creative activities. We offer a wide variety of hands-on programs that everyone can easily participate in.
https://www.rekibun.or.jp/hands_on_events/
■ Everyone’s Esports Festival 2026 – Tokyo Metropolitan Sports and Culture Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (a national holiday), we will host an event where people of all ages can casually enjoy esports. “ esports Style UENO ” “will be held . The event will feature workshops such as making glow-in-the-dark decorated fans, as well as as well as the esports tournament for elementary and junior high school students, the “SUSIE CUP 1st Esports Tournament,” will be held simultaneously!
https://www.tef.or.jp/news/eSportsfes2026.html
■ “Children’s Smile Movement” Special Page: “Tokyo Children’s Smile Grand Adventure”
This page lists approximately 900 events, online content, and the “Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games 5th Anniversary Events”—all organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, city and ward governments, and companies and organizations participating in the Children’s Smile Movement—that children and families can enjoy during the summer season .
