From Edo to Tokyo: A Nation Reborn

In 1868, the Meiji Restoration transformed Edo into Tokyo, the new capital of Japan. What had once been a feudal castle town quickly became the beating heart of a modern nation. Railways, gas lamps, and Western-style streets reshaped the city, turning Tokyo into a showcase of Japan’s modernization.

A Cultural Revolution – East Meets West

Western culture flooded into daily life. People traded kimonos for suits and hats, while carriages rolled through the streets under the glow of gas lamps. Music and art schools were founded, and writers like Natsume Sōseki and Mori Ōgai explored the struggles of modern identity. Baseball and tennis also made their Japanese debut in Tokyo—sports that remain beloved to this day.

Everyday Life – From Tatami to Dining Tables

Life at home changed too. Matches and oil lamps brightened the night, while the “chabudai” (low dining table) became a new symbol of family gatherings. Japanese tradition blended with Western habits, shaping the lifestyle many Japanese families still recognize today.

Iconic Architecture of Meiji Tokyo

The Meiji era left striking landmarks that defined Tokyo’s new face:

• Ginza Bricktown (1872): Rows of red-brick buildings created a Western-style boulevard and gave Ginza its reputation as a hub of modernity.
• Nikolai Cathedral (1891): Known as Nikorai-dō, this Byzantine-style Orthodox church near Ochanomizu brought a touch of Russia to Tokyo’s skyline.
• Former Iwasaki House (1896): The luxurious residence of the Mitsubishi family, designed by British architect Josiah Conder. A masterpiece where Western architecture meets Japanese gardens.

Legacy Today

The political systems, education reforms, and city planning of Meiji Tokyo became the foundation of modern Japan. Walking through Ginza, gazing up at the dome of Nikolai Cathedral, or stepping into the grand halls of the Iwasaki House, you can still feel the energy of an era that reinvented the nation.

In Closing

The Meiji era turned Tokyo into a city of transformation—balancing tradition with bold innovation. That spirit of reinvention is still alive in today’s metropolis. To truly experience Tokyo, explore its Meiji heritage—you’ll see the city with entirely new eyes.

🎁 Bonus: 3 Meiji-Themed Walking Plans

1. Ginza Modern Walk

Stroll down Ginza’s stylish streets, once the site of Bricktown. Enjoy department stores, retro cafés, and a taste of Tokyo’s first modern boulevard.

2. Nikolai Cathedral & Literary Tokyo

From Ochanomizu, visit the stunning Byzantine dome of Nikolai Cathedral. Then head to Yushima Seidō, Kanda Myōjin Shrine, and finish with a treasure hunt through Jimbochō’s legendary bookstores.

3. Former Iwasaki House & Ueno Park

Step inside the grand Iwasaki residence, then wander through Ueno Park—Japan’s first public park—and end at the Tokyo National Museum for a journey through the nation’s art and history.