Written by Aarohi Narain
Peek behind the scenes of Tokyo’s heritage.
What happens?
Ever stood in an old building and wondered what’s behind that locked wooden door, or down a roped-off corridor?
Normally closed cultural properties open their doors for a short window. Some venues will feature guided tours, demonstrations, or temporary exhibitions that shed light on their craftsmanship and history.
Note that there may be limited language support. Also, some sites are only open on specific days or require advance booking.
Highlights 2025
- The Former Maeda Family Residence in Komaba Park once belonged to the powerful Maeda clan, whose lineage traces back to the lords of Kaga Domain. Built in the late 1920s, the house joins a Western-style mansion and a Japanese residence with a glassed-in corridor and a teahouse set between them. During Cultural Heritage Week, the entire complex opens for guided tours led by volunteers.
- At the Paper Museum in Kita Ward, get stuck into a paper recycling workshop that revives the traditional craft of kamisuki. Turn pulp made from recycled milk cartons into handmade postcards or bookmarks.
- Down in Ōta Ward, the Ōmori Nori Museum offers a seaweed-pressing experience. The hands-on workshop aims to recreate the nori-zuke method used along Tokyo Bay. You’ll get your finished nori in the mail later.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library will hold a hybrid exhibition on occupations of Edo-era Tokyo. Most of the display will be online from October 31 to November 30, featuring digitized materials from the library’s archives, quizzes, and downloadable content. From October 25 to 31, six rare “Edo Castle Construction Related Materials”, designated as Important Cultural Properties, will also be shown in person at the library’s Special Exhibition Room in Minamiazabu. Admission is free.
Schedule
The Special Opening Program runs for ten days, from Saturday, October 25 to Monday, November 3 (Culture Day), when normally closed cultural properties across Tokyo open their doors to the public.
Meanwhile, the Planned Projects, including exhibitions, lectures, and walking tours, will take place over a longer period, from Wednesday, October 1, through Sunday, November 30.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
