Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Kabuki Theater
This superb replica
of the Nakamura-za
Kabuki theater recreates
stage scenes from the
mid-17th century. The
stage is animated by life-
size models
(center)
of
Kabuki's all-male actors
in gorgeous robes, wigs,
and hair ornaments.
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Daimyo Lodgings
%
Districts
The sixth-floor model
(above)
of the grand
estates of
daimyo
(feudal
lords) was skillfully
reconstructed from old
prints and plans.
Models on the sixth
floor show the Edo-era
residential districts. The
fifth floor showcases
villages and river islands
connected to Edo.
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Row House
Tenement
Today's living conditions
may be cramped, but
during the Edo period
townspeople had to
make do with incon-
ceivably small homes
(above)
. An example of
a typical tenement row
house can be seen on
the fifth floor.
Museum Guide
Ticket counters are
on the second floor
beneath the main build-
ing, and outside on the
third-floor terrace to the
left of the main building.
An escalator takes visi-
tors to the permanent
exhibitions on the fifth
and sixth floors. The
sixth floor focuses on
the Edo-period city, and
the fifth on Edo's later
years and transition to
Tokyo. Descend to the
first floor for special exhi-
bitions and the impres-
sive museum store.
There is also a Sumida
ward souvenir store
featuring local crafts.
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Woodblock
Printing
Lifesize re-creations of a
printing shop and Edo-era
bookstore on the fifth
floor are complemented
by display cases con-
taining printing equip-
ment, books, and samples
of woodblock prints
(right)
popular at the time.
(
Nihonbashi Bridge
)
Life of Craftsmen
and Townspeople
The life of ordinary people
can be seen in the
seventh-floor models of
townspeople's residen-
ces, and the well-crafted
mock-ups of the commer-
cial city on the fifth floor.
The sixth floor leads
directly onto a recons-
tructed section of
Nihonbashi Bridge. The
carpentry and joinery of
the original bridge, which
was rebuilt several times,
can be seen in the replica.
15
During the Edo period (1603-1867) the social classes were
allocated districts according to their trade and status.
