Edo: The City That Became a Capital!

Imagine a city so big it was once one of the world's largest! That was Edo, the old name for Tokyo!

Images

Samurai Tachidō Tōsei Gusoki Armor attributed to Myōchin Nobui Late Edo Period 19th century CE Japan Iron, Laquer, gold, lacing

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Gilded shin guard of Samurai Tachidō Tōsei Gusoki Armor attributed to Myōchin Nobui Late Edo Period 19th century CE Japan

Samurai wearing Tachidō Armor Early Edo period 17th century CE Japan iron, gold, lacing, bear fur, silver, wood

Portrait of Tatehagidō Armor signed by Takakage Early Edo Period 17th century CE Japan iron, leather, gold, fur

Portrait of Samurai wearing Tachidō Armor Early Edo period 17th century CE Japan iron, gold, lacing, bear fur, silver, wood

Portrait of Samurai Tachidō Tōsei Gusoki Armor attributed to Myōchin Nobui Late Edo Period 19th century CE Japan

Closeup of Samurai wearing Tachidō Armor Early Edo period 17th century CE Japan iron, gold, lacing, bear fur, silver, wood

Contingent of mounted Samurai Late Edo Period 19th century CE Japan

Closeup of helmet of Samurai Tachidō Tōsei Gusoki Armor attributed to Myōchin Nobui Late Edo Period 19th century CE Japan

Key Facts

Former Name

Edo.

Location

Japan.

Became Capital

1603.

Renamed

Tokyo in 1868.

Fun Fact

Edo means 'bay entrance' in Japanese!

What's in a Name? Edo!

Edo is a super old name for a very important place in Japan. It means 'bay entrance' because it was near the water! Think of it like a special gate to a big bay. This city used to be called Edo before it became the amazing city we know as Tokyo today. It was a bustling place with lots of people and exciting things happening!

From Castle Town to Big City!

Long ago, Edo was a town built around a big castle called Edo Castle. This castle was like the boss's house, and the town grew around it. In 1603, something big happened! A powerful leader decided Edo would be the main city for ruling Japan. It started to grow and grow, becoming a giant city, one of the biggest in the whole world!

The Big Change: Hello, Tokyo!

For a very long time, from 1603 to 1868, Japan was ruled from Edo. This whole time is called the Edo period. But then, in 1868, things changed again! The leaders decided to call the city Tokyo, which means 'Eastern Capital'. They even moved the Emperor, who is like the king of Japan, from another old city to Tokyo. So, Edo became Tokyo!

Why Edo Was So Cool!

Edo was super important because it was the center of power for Japan for hundreds of years. Imagine if your school was the most important place in your whole country! That's how Edo felt. It was a place where big decisions were made and where lots of people lived, worked, and played. It helped shape Japan into the country it is today.

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Based on content from Wikipedia · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0