Special Evening Opening: Illumination of Historic Buildings

About this event

On long autumn nights, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is enveloped in fantastical light. The museum extends its opening hours to host "Special Evening Opening: Illumination of Historic Buildings," beautifully lighting up historical structures with soft illumination. Warm lights glow inside the buildings, while candles flicker fantastically in the open squares, allowing visitors to stroll through grounds that offer an ambiance distinctly different from daytime. Recreated gas lamps lit at the tailor shop, an open hearth (irori) rekindled in a traditional farmhouse, and a fireplace ignited in a Western-style residence offer rare opportunities to experience historic warmth and illumination. Various experiences are offered, such as the irori hearth at the Tsunashima Residence (farmhouse), the fireplace at the de Lalande Residence, experiencing the light levels of paper lanterns (andon) and kerosene lamps at Mantoku Ryokan, and the comforting warmth of a public bathhouse with water filled in the bathtub at Kodakara-yu. Additionally, the event features visually delightful attractions including cut-paper architectural patterns appearing in the windows of Tokiwadai Photo Studio, candle nights at the Entrance Square and East Square, a bamboo lantern path behind the Nishikawa Family Villa, and a shadow play challenge at the open lot next to Mantoku Ryokan. On Saturday, November 7, a hands-on workshop led by craft artist Naho Shimonaka will be held, where participants create cut-paper patterns based on designs found in the museum's buildings and craft them into paper lanterns (for 3rd graders and older, advance registration required). Food trucks will also be on site offering hot drinks and light meals. Early arrival is recommended, as crowds are expected around sunset.

Venue

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Inside Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park, 3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-0005