Skip to main content

Edo: The Former Name of Tokyo and Its Cultural Legacy


When you explore Tokyo, you may notice a mysterious word that appears in many names: “Edo.” You might see Edo-style sushi, Edo-kiriko glassware, or even ride the Toei Ōedo Line subway. But what does “Edo” mean, and why is it used so often?

What Is “Edo”?

Edo (江戸) is the former name of Tokyo. The characters mean “bay entrance” (“江” meaning bay or inlet, and “戸” meaning gate), referring to the city’s location at the edge of Tokyo Bay.

From 1603 to 1868, Edo was the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan’s military government. During this Edo Period, the city grew into one of the largest and most sophisticated urban centers in the world. In 1868, following the Meiji Restoration, the emperor moved to Edo from Kyoto, and the city was renamed Tokyo, meaning “Eastern Capital.”

Although the name “Edo” officially disappeared from maps, it never vanished from people’s hearts, language, or identity. Today, the word Edo lives on as a symbol of traditional Tokyo culture, craftsmanship, and spirit.

Who Were the “Edokko”?

One of the best ways to understand the meaning of “Edo” is through the people who embodied its spirit: the “Edokko” (江戸っ子).

Literally meaning “a child of Edo,” the term refers to people born and raised in Edo (modern Tokyo), often for several generations. But being an Edokko was more than just a matter of birthplace—it was a cultural identity, similar to how we think of Parisians in Paris or New Yorkers in New York.

Edokko were known for their:

  • Fast-talking, straight-shooting personality

  • Pride in their city and neighborhoods

  • Unpretentious, stylish attitude called iki (粋)—a kind of graceful, effortless cool

  • Sense of humor, quick temper, and big heart

They disliked arrogance and valued emotional warmth, spontaneity, and sincerity. Their culture was deeply rooted in the everyday life of common townspeople, and their spirit still echoes in the character of Tokyo today.

“Edo” as a Living Symbol in Modern Tokyo

Even though Tokyo is a thoroughly modern city, the word “Edo” is used in many modern contexts to evoke tradition, authenticity, and old-Tokyo charm. Below are some well-known examples:

 Edo-mae (江戸前) – Edo-Style

Originally meaning “in front of Edo” (i.e., Tokyo Bay), this term came to represent Tokyo’s food culture, especially seafood.

  • Edo-mae sushi is the foundation of today’s popular sushi style. It developed in the 19th century as a kind of fast food, using techniques like marinating and boiling to preserve raw fish before refrigeration existed.

 Edo-kiriko (江戸切子) – Edo Cut Glass

This is a traditional glass-cutting technique from the early 1800s, known for its intricate, geometric patterns. Edo-kiriko is still handmade by skilled artisans today and is prized for its beauty and craftsmanship.

 Edo-komon (江戸小紋) – Edo Fine Patterns

A type of dyed fabric with tiny repeating patterns, originally worn by samurai. Today, it's used in both kimono and modern fashion as a symbol of refined, understated elegance.

 Toei Ōedo Line (都営大江戸線)

A major Tokyo subway line. The name “Ōedo” (Great Edo) pays homage to the city's historical grandeur and connects passengers to many old and culturally rich neighborhoods like Ryōgoku and Ueno.

 Edo-Tokyo Museum

Located in Ryōgoku, this museum explores the transformation from Edo to modern Tokyo through immersive exhibits and reconstructions. It’s a must-visit for those who want to understand the city’s deep cultural roots.

Why Is “Edo” Still So Popular?

In modern Japan, the word “Edo” carries a strong sense of tradition, quality, and authenticity. For businesses and brands, it suggests something genuine, handcrafted, and stylish, often appealing to both locals and tourists. You'll find "Edo" in everything from sweet shops and izakayas to high-end clothing brands and souvenirs.

Just as “Kyoto” conjures up temples and tradition, “Edo” adds a flavor of old-school Tokyo elegance. Knowing the meaning behind the word helps you better appreciate the atmosphere and story behind the places you visit.

Conclusion

Edo is no longer a city name, but it’s very much alive in the identity, pride, and culture of Tokyo. From sushi to glassware, subway lines to slang, the word “Edo” connects the modern metropolis with its historical roots.

So the next time you see the word “Edo” in Tokyo, take a moment to think about the centuries of life, art, and character behind those two little characters: 江戸. It might just add a new layer of appreciation to your journey through Japan’s capital.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tokyo’s Public Road Karts: A Revolutionary Tourist Attraction or an Urban “Obstacle”?

As a Tokyo resident, I have to admit that watching tourists dressed in colorful character costumes racing through the streets on low-profile karts is quite an entertaining sight. It brings a bit of whimsy and brightness to the otherwise concrete-dominated urban landscape—a welcome break from the everyday routine of businesspeople and commuters.  Seeing groups of Mario-like characters zipping past famous landmarks like Shibuya Crossing or Asakusa’s historic temples can be oddly charming, making you smile even on a hectic day. Yet behind the smiles, selfies, and social media buzz, there lie some growing urban challenges that Tokyo must reckon with. Real-life Mario Kart — but not exactly “Mario Kart” These public road kart tours appeared around the early 2010s. The concept is clever and simple: tourists zip through famous Tokyo spots such as Shibuya, Asakusa, and Shin-Kiba on mini karts, dressed up in playful costumes. This is the only activity that lets you experience the world of J...
Post a Comment
Read more

Super Simple Japanese History: From Emperors to Anime!

Japan’s history is a wild ride—from ancient emperors and sword-wielding samurai to sushi trains and anime culture. If you’ve only got a few minutes, here’s your fast-track crash course through the ages.  Ancient Beginnings (c. 14,000 BCE – 538 CE) Japan’s earliest people, during the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) , lived in harmony with nature. They fished, hunted, and made intricate pottery—some of the oldest in the world. In the Yayoi period (c. 300 BCE–250 CE) , things started to change. Rice farming, bronze tools, and new social structures came in from the Asian mainland, especially China and Korea. These changes led to more organized communities and eventually, the rise of ruling elites. The Kofun period (c. 250–538 CE) is named after the huge keyhole-shaped tombs built for powerful leaders. The idea of a divine emperor, said to descend from the sun goddess Amaterasu, began here—setting the stage for Japan’s imperial legacy. Early Empires and Court Cul...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Will Happen to Nakano Sunplaza? The Uncertain Future of a Tokyo Landmark

Nakano Sunplaza , a landmark building in Tokyo’s Nakano district, has stood as a symbol of the area since its opening in 1973. For over 50 years, it has served as a beloved multi-purpose facility, featuring a concert hall, hotel, restaurants, and a wedding venue. But now, its future is hanging in the balance. ■ Nakano: Tokyo’s Hub for Hobbyists Just minutes from Shinjuku by train, Nakano is a highly accessible and popular neighborhood. It's best known for Nakano Broadway , a shopping complex packed with stores dedicated to manga, anime figures, vintage cameras, watches, and all manner of niche collectibles. The area is also known for its great food and is a favorite among foreign tourists and locals alike. ■ A Unique Shape and Cultural Heartbeat When it opened, Nakano Sunplaza's distinctive triangular design made it stand out in a city that had few tall buildings at the time. It was envisioned as a local landmark—and it became exactly that. The upper-floor restaurants o...
Post a Comment
Read more