Start the new year with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum and learn about the history of the capital through large-scale reconstructions of the Nihonbashi Bridge, detailed models of old city houses, and more.
Visitors on January 2 or 3 will get free entry to the museum’s permanent exhibition and the first 500 visitors on each day receive a print of the artwork ‘Hatsuyume to Takarabune’. The concept of hatsuyume was established in the latter half of the Edo period (1603-1868), and means the first dream you have in the new year. In order to ensure a good dream, a picture of a takarabune treasure ship bearing the Seven Gods of Good Fortune should be placed under the pillow.
Don’t miss the free koto (Japanese zither) and shakuhachi bamboo flute performances on both days from 11am, 1pm and 3pm in front of the large kabuki theatre.
Before heading home, make sure to check out the museum’s new special exhibition ‘The Tokugawa Clansmen: the People Who Supported the Shogunal Family’, running from January 2 to March 6. You’ll get free admission to the special exhibition on January 2 and 3.