I especially love traditional Japanese architecture, so I had to visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum with its 30 historic buildings. It truly lives up to its reputation—each building feels like it transports you back to the Edo or early Showa periods. The taverns, stationery shops, bathhouses, and warehouses all look just as they did back then. I was really moved by how much the Japanese value their traditional architectural culture. I also heard that many of Hayao Miyazaki's works were inspired by this place.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum | Review by Rise
Other Reviews by Rise
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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the symbol of Kamakura, located in the heart of the city. It is frequented by many worshipers as a shrine related to Minamoto no Yorimoto, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. The current main shrine, which was built in 1828, has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.
Last year, I visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura and it happened to be raining. The shrine in the rain had a special charm. The peaceful and serene atmosphere was really refreshing. It's very spacious inside, and taking a walk after visiting the shrine is also nice.
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Nihon Minka-en, Kawasaki Municipal Japan Outdoor Folk House Museum
Opened in 1967, Kawasaki City is an outdoor museum that represents ancient Japanese homes. Twenty-five buildings, including private houses from the Edo period, have been relocated here and displayed, all designated as Japanese cultural heritage.
The Kawasaki Municipal Japan Outdoor Folk House Museum is really unique. You can see what Japanese homes and living spaces looked like in ancient times. I actually found them quite similar to the rural houses you see in Chinese movies, so it felt both familiar and welcoming. Plus, the museum is located in Ikuta Ryokuchi, which is known for its natural scenery, so you can also enjoy a nice walk there. I visited during hydrangea season, and the peaceful, beautiful atmosphere left a lasting impression.
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Kawasaki Marien
This is a community activity center built by Kawasaki City to deepen the interaction between Kawasaki Harbor and its citizens. In the indoor or outdoor, can be engaged in physical exercise, leisure relaxation, outdoor sports and other activities of different purposes.
Kawasaki Marien is definitely a spot worth visiting. I went there with my parents once, and sitting in the observation lounge on the 10th floor, watching the ocean and all the cars below moving around like toy cars, was really fun. Plus, it's totally free and not crowded at all.
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