A Journey through the Floating World
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Starts 8/25
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After centuries of conflict, the Edo period brought more than 250 years of peace and cultural growth. One of the most iconic expressions of this era was ukiyo-e.
Meaning “pictures of the floating world,” ukiyo-e captured the customs, fashions and everyday experiences of people living in the moment. From the late 17th century, when ukiyo-e first emerged, through the end of the Edo period and into modern times, two themes appeared again and again: theater and pleasure districts.
This exhibition explores these two themes, beginning with a large folding screen depicting the lively streets of Edo in the 1640s. Scenes of people working, gathering in entertainment areas and enjoying daily life offer a glimpse of the world that would later inspire ukiyo-e.
Bringing together hand-painted ukiyo-e, woodblock prints and illustrated books, the exhibition reveals how theater and pleasure districts were portrayed through different forms of expression. Through these works, visitors can experience the unique appeal of painting and printmaking while discovering the interests and imagination of people in Edo.
[Related Events]
1. Lecture Series
Exhibition Highlights
Date: September 3, 14:00–15:30
Ukiyo-e Artists’ Paintings: Ideals and Ambitions Through the Brush
Date: September 15, 14:00–15:30
2. Museum Talks
Dates: September 18 and September 25, 16:00–16:30
*For event details and how to make a reservation, please check the official website.
Meaning “pictures of the floating world,” ukiyo-e captured the customs, fashions and everyday experiences of people living in the moment. From the late 17th century, when ukiyo-e first emerged, through the end of the Edo period and into modern times, two themes appeared again and again: theater and pleasure districts.
This exhibition explores these two themes, beginning with a large folding screen depicting the lively streets of Edo in the 1640s. Scenes of people working, gathering in entertainment areas and enjoying daily life offer a glimpse of the world that would later inspire ukiyo-e.
Bringing together hand-painted ukiyo-e, woodblock prints and illustrated books, the exhibition reveals how theater and pleasure districts were portrayed through different forms of expression. Through these works, visitors can experience the unique appeal of painting and printmaking while discovering the interests and imagination of people in Edo.
[Related Events]
1. Lecture Series
Exhibition Highlights
Date: September 3, 14:00–15:30
Ukiyo-e Artists’ Paintings: Ideals and Ambitions Through the Brush
Date: September 15, 14:00–15:30
2. Museum Talks
Dates: September 18 and September 25, 16:00–16:30
*For event details and how to make a reservation, please check the official website.
Schedule | Aug 25 (Tue) 2026-Sep 27 (Sun) 2026 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥800, Seniors 65 & Over ¥400, University Students ¥480, High School Students ¥300, Junior High School Students and Under free. | ||||
| Venue | Edo-Tokyo Museum http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/  | ||||
| Location | 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015 | ||||
| Access | 3 minute walk from the West exit of Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu line, 1 minute walk from exit A3 or A4 at Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo line. | ||||
| Phone | 03-3626-9974 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it  |
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