While continuities exist between the modern metropolis of Tokyo and Edo, its early-modern antecedent, the ways in which each city was built, inhabited...
October 9–30, 2025
From Edo to Tokyo
Utagawa Toyoharu, Pleasure Outing at Mukōjima to View Cherry Blossoms (detail), 1781–1801. Hanging scroll; ink, color, gold, and mica on silk. Fenollosa-Weld Collection.
Utagawa Toyoharu, Pleasure Outing at Mukōjima to View Cherry Blossoms (detail), 1781–1801. Hanging scroll; ink, color, gold, and mica on silk. Fenollosa-Weld Collection.
In this course, learn about the rich cultural history of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), a castle town in remote eastern Japan founded in the late 15th century that became one of the fastest growing urban centers in the world. Adopted in 1603 as the seat of the military government, the city and its cultural institutions were designed to symbolize the authority of the Tokugawa clan. Despite strictures that prescribed almost all daily functions, Edo’s burgeoning merchant class developed a rich popular culture, providing creative outlets in the visual and performative arts, such as woodblock prints and kabuki. With the eventual overthrow of the Tokugawa and the relocation of the imperial family from Kyoto in 1867, the city was renamed Tokyo and declared the official capital of Japan. Now home to a populace of almost 40 million, Tokyo has become the center of a vibrant global artistic culture.
Ticket Packages
Purchase the discounted four-session course package. Please note that this course package is not available after the date of the first session.
Tickets (Member / Nonmember)
In-Person $96/$120
Online $52/$68
In-Person Package Livestream Package
For more information and to purchase tickets for individual sessions, select from the section below.
Upcoming Events
Lecture
Thursday, October 16, 2025
2:00 pm–3:30 pm
To ensure political and social stability, the Tokugawa military government imposed strict controls on almost every aspect of social life in Edo. Learn...
Lecture
Thursday, October 23, 2025
2:00 pm–3:30 pm
The stability provided by the Tokugawa rulers led to increased prosperity and the rise of a new middle class with modest (and sometimes not so modest)...
Lecture
Thursday, October 30, 2025
2:00 pm–3:30 pm
The history of Tokyo is characterized by frequent destruction and reconstruction. Between the 20th to 21st centuries, there were earthquakes, wars...
Ticket Information
To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.
Livestream Tickets
The livestream ticket gives access to a live feed of the event that can be watched remotely. You must be logged in to the account used to purchase the ticket in order to access the livestream on the Video Content page. Please log in at least 5 minutes before the start of the event to test your connection.
Livestream ticket holders must watch the event live; there is no recording of the event available for viewing at a later time.
Bag Checks
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.