Become a time traveler and travel back in time to the Edo period! 【Part 1】～Edo Castle and the life of people downtown

The history and culture of Edo still lives on in Tokyo.

This time we would like to introduce a short walking tour, starting from the site of the former Edo Castle, the 「East Garden of the Imperial Palace」. From there the trip continues to the 「Fukagawa Edo Museum in Koto City」, where you can experience the life and beliefs of people in Edo, and 「Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-son」 in the traditional downtown neighborhood Monzen-nakacho.

The 「East Garden of the Imperial Palace」, formerly a part of Edo Castle, is a vast green space maintained as part of the Imperial Palace gardens. Except for Mondays and Fridays, the gardens are open to the public during the day, and can be entered free of charge. In addition to the historical edifices, such as the Tenshudai ruins, Fujimi-yagura tower and the solid stone walls, there is also an old-variety orchard and tea garden to delight in the natural scenery through the seasons.

Some days you can hear stories from volunteers giving comprehensive guided tours.

The giant stone walls, becoming ever more impressive as you move from the entrance towards the Tenshu, were apparently also meant as a display of dignity of the shogunate to daimyo who were visiting Edo castle from other districts.

Next on our tour is the 「Koto City Fukagawa Edo Museum」, located nearby Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station.

The area around the Fukagawa river in Late Edo. Developed as a base for distribution by water transport, the museum displays a reproduction of a cityscape from this area, with exhibits of dwellings and shops showing characteristics of the varying professions of that time. Enjoy wandering down the real-life alleyways, imagining where you would've liked to live.

While leisurely walking through the exhibition, the lighting and soundscape reflects the transition of time through a day, making it feel like you've actually travelled through time.

From the 「Fukagawa Edo Museum in Koto City」, go to 「Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-son」 in the direction of Monzennaka-cho. It is the Tokyo branch of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, which is also associated with Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro, and is a power spot for purification of body and soul and wish fulfillment.

Gazing at the flames dancing on the ceiling, we lose ourselves in the vibrations of the thankful sutra chanting and the sound of four drums shaking the altar.

By the time I left the hall, my body and mind were clear, my small worries and stiff shoulders were relieved, and I felt the blessings of Fudo Myoo. Along with my hearty offerings, I hope that many more people will visit Japan in the future and that the days of peace will continue.

■Message to Guests Visiting Japan

The 「East Garden of the Imperial Palace」 offer visitors the opportunity to fully enjoy Japanese history and nature in the well-protected and well-maintained environment of the Imperial Palace.

The 「Fukagawa Edo Museum in Koto City」 and 「Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-son」 allow you to experience the lifestyles and beliefs of the people of the Edo period.

We hope you enjoy this half-day tour of Edo Castle, where you can also enjoy a time travel while in the heart of the city.

■Access

【East Garden of the Imperial Palace】

・5-minute walk from Exit C13a of Otemachi Station on the Toei Mita Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tozai Line, Chiyoda Line and Hanzomon Line

【Fukagawa Edo Museum in Koto City】

・3-minute walk from Exit A3 or Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line

【Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-son】

・2-minute walk from Exit 1 of Monzennakacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line

・5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Monzennakacho Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line