Western-style Architecture in Japan

2026-06-23 - 2026-08-23

The Meiji era (1868–1912) is often described as a time of revolutionary transformation in Japanese architecture, and this exhibition explores the period through the many Western-style buildings that were erected in Tokyo during the time. It traces the trend from its humble beginnings to the establishment of authentic Western-style architecture in Japan. You get to learn about the evolution from “pseudo-Western-style” architecture, created by Japanese carpenters, to buildings designed by foreign engineers and on to orthodox structures drawn up by architects from overseas. The exhibition also highlights the challenges faced by graduates of the newly established Imperial College of Engineering, as well as the grand mansions built for the imperial family and the upper classes. Encompassing National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, materials being displayed in Japan for the first time, and three-dimensional spatial design, the exhibition attempts to recreate the very real sense of wonder felt by the people of Tokyo some 150 years ago.

Event Information

Dates and hours: June 23 – August 23, 2026 *Some of the exhibits will be changed during the event period
9:30 – 17:30
Open until 19:30 on Saturdays, until 21:00 on August 7, 14, and 21 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Closed on Mondays (except July 20 and August 10) and July 21
Venues: Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum
1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Fees: Special exhibition advance sale tickets (available April 25 – June 21, 2026): Adults 1,400 yen, ages 65 and over 600 yen, university and technical school students 1,080 yen, free for high school students or younger
Special exhibition tickets (available from June 23): Adults 1,600 yen (1,280 yen), ages 65 and over 800 yen (640 yen), university and technical school students 1,280 yen (1,020 yen), free for high school students or younger
*Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more
Persons holding the following certificates are admitted free of charge, along with accompanying persons (up to two persons): Shintai Shogaisha Techo (Certificate of the Physically Disabled), Ai-no-Techo (Certificate of the Intellectually Disabled), Ryoiku Techo (Certificate of Rehabilitation), Seishin Shogaisha Hoken Fukushi Techo (Certificate of the Mentally Disabled) and Hibakusha Kenko Techo (Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate)
On the third Wednesday of every month (Silver Day), special exhibition admission is free of charge for those over 65 years old. Please present proof of your age.
Junior high school, High school, university, and technical school students are required to present a student ID card, and those aged 65 and over are required to present proof of age (health insurance card, driver’s license, etc.).
Tickets are available for purchase at the Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum.