The Shitamachi Museum lies in the bustling heart of Ueno. It’s easy to miss from the outside, with its unassuming facade blending into the modern cityscape. But step inside, and you’ll be transported into the past. You’ll explore the lives and stories of the everyday people who built the district. Are you a history buff or curious about how Tokyo looked and felt a century ago? This is the place for answers.
This museum is excellent with its retro feel. On the ground floor are three buildings in typical Shitamachi style. They look like they are from a Taisho period (1912 to 1926) street. It is like exploring an old movie set. Computer screens or iPhones won’t be found here.
It is all about the daily life of people, who lived in the area. There is a rickshaw, a telephone box, pots and pans, and a workshop with all the tools and implements. You can see how they lived, worked, and played.
The second floor is more of a traditional museum. Displays change regularly, and most things are behind glass cases. This floor is highly educational. Unfortunately, some plaques lack English explanations.
A brief history of the museum
If you need an English-speaking guide, they are available, so enquire at the desk. They are free! And sometimes, a traditional craftsman comes for a day to display their skills. Those can be very interesting to watch.
What remains of Tokyo’s Shitamachi is now found in and around Taito Ward. You can see it in places like Asakusa (which is not far away). This museum shows how that life used to be.
The ground floor has three buildings for visitors:
All have living quarters attached, like in the old days. If you enter them, please take your shoes off. A small shrine is next to them.
My favorite is the merchant’s shop. I like its Maneki Neko! If you want to see more of these cats, please check out my article about Gotokuji. That is their home! Anyway, you will find them everywhere in Japan.
The second floor has a more traditional type of museum display area. When I last visited, they had two exhibits. One was of Tokyo during World War Two. The other was of life during the Taisho and Showa periods. I’ve also seen displays of Meiji life and the early history of the Takarazuka. Takarazuka is an all-female theatre troupe that is still active today. It is insanely popular with legions of fans.
It’s not a great place for photography. The first floor can be dark (and flashes aren’t allowed), but I don’t mind. This place is for learning the history of Tokyo.
Ueno is a great area with a lot to do. After a visit to the museum, you can choose from:
Where is it?
Address: 2-1 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Train access
Ueno which is served by train lines, including the Yamanote.
Opening hours
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission costs:
¥300
Conclusion
If you are a Tokyo history lover, the Shitamachi Museum is for you. It tells you the story of the famous area. While it doesn’t have much for photographers, it is an interesting place to visit. Most importantly, it won’t take up your whole day. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
More museum articles:
External related websites:
