A Theme Park with Nostalgic Buildings and a Popular Commercial District
8 Hours $400~
The open-air museum is in the western suburbs of Tokyo, Koganei city. The museum preserves and exhibits many historical buildings built in the early 17th century to mid-20th century. You can walk into these buildings and experience what kind of lifestyle the people had back then. There are old merchant houses, a farmhouse with a thatched roof, and public baths within the area. There are also modern residences such as the house of Kunio Maekawa, a student of Le Corbusier. Some buildings, such as the stationery shop “Takei Sanshodo,” have become models for the animations of Studio Ghibli, for example, “Spirited Away” and “My neighbor Totoro.” Kichijoji-city is one of the most popular areas where Japanese people wish to live. This city has large shopping arcades, many shops, restaurants, and a peaceful park where local people visit to relax, all of which adds to the city’s attraction.