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Sword Special Feature: Famous Japanese katanas beloved the world over
Games, graphic novels, films, and other media with stories based around swords are ever-growing, causing a widely popular Japanese katana boom. Their sleek, cool appearance and beautiful polished finish appeal not only to the people of Japan but those around the world.
This special feature offers info on spots to fully soak in the world of these swords, experience them in an otherwise unavailable way, and find the perfect souvenir.
Index
Nagoya City, Aichi
Nagoya Touken World, Nagoya Touken Museum
Nagoya Touken—or Sword—World in Nagoya Touken Museum has an astonishing 200 swords, 50 pieces of armor, 150 ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and 350 matchlock and antique western-style guns. Emphasis is put on presentation with swords, armor, woodblock prints, matchlock and antique Western guns exhibited together, allowing guests to enjoy Nagoya Touken World not only as a museum with incredible swords but those other pieces as well. You can even learn how Japanese swords, or "katanas", are crafted in the Bladesmithing Section, gaze upon life-sized knight mannequins, snap some shots at photo spots, and watch breathtaking videos at a hands-on theater for a learning experience incorporating visual and experiential education.
Plus, Uraku Japanese-style Restaurant and Cafe, under the same roof, lets you dine on Nagoya City's and Aichi Prefecture's cuisine as you take a rest from all the astounding exhibits. Check out the rich variety of books about katanas available to peruse.
Plus, Uraku Japanese-style Restaurant and Cafe, under the same roof, lets you dine on Nagoya City's and Aichi Prefecture's cuisine as you take a rest from all the astounding exhibits. Check out the rich variety of books about katanas available to peruse.
Event info
Prizes of the Heian Period and Swords of the Imperial Household exhibit
• Date: Until Sun, Dec 22, 2024
• Details: Extremely important swords and important art pieces, such as the Yamatoden-style Mumei Kosenjuin, Kohoki-style Mumei Den'yasutsuna, and other swords as prized weapons of the Heian period as well as the Mumei Demmasamune sword worn by Emperor Meiji's father, Emperor Komei; the Mei Nagamitsu short sword passed down to the Arisugawanomiya family; and numerous other priceless swords and mountings please visitors' eyes.
Recommended souvenirs
Pick up original models of Warring States-period warrior Maeda Toshiie's famous Osaka Chogi dagger and the beloved sword of notoriously handsome warrior Honda Tadatoki available only at Nagoya Touken Museum. These two swords have some of the longest and auspicious histories as well as incredible designs of all the swords in the museum's collection. Bring home something to remember an incredible experience here.
Recommended experiences
Wield a Japanese katana (approx. 1 kg) or matchlock gun (approx. 5 kg) to experience the weight warriors would have been carrying. Warriors wore these items as part of their already nearly 20-kilogram armor in a stunning feat of strength. A photo spot where you can put on a helmet and warrior's overcoat is right next to it, so get into the mood and experience the world of swords and armor.
• Address: 3-35-43 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
• Phone number: +52-262-6000
• Directions:
Approx. 8-min. walk from Yaba-cho Station on the Meitetsu Subway Line.
Approx. 9-min. walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line.
740 m from Shirakawa Interchange on the Nagoya Expressway's No. 2 Higashiyama Route.
• Hours: 10:00 am–5:00 pm (Admission until 4:30 pm. Same hours for Uraku Cafe.)
• Closed: Mon (the following Tue if Mon coincides with a national holiday)
• Phone number: +52-262-6000
• Directions:
Approx. 8-min. walk from Yaba-cho Station on the Meitetsu Subway Line.
Approx. 9-min. walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line.
740 m from Shirakawa Interchange on the Nagoya Expressway's No. 2 Higashiyama Route.
• Hours: 10:00 am–5:00 pm (Admission until 4:30 pm. Same hours for Uraku Cafe.)
• Closed: Mon (the following Tue if Mon coincides with a national holiday)
The Tokugawa Art Museum
The Tokugawa Art Museum is filled with historical belongings of Tokugawa Ieyasu as well as his ninth son and first Owari Tokugawa lord of the former Owari Province, Yoshinao, plus more than 10 thousand daimyo feudal lord relics.
Nine national treasures, including illustrated scrolls from The Tale of Genji; 59 important cultural properties; and more pieces add to the surprisingly wealthy collection of daimyo-related treasures. The collection is actually one of the largest in Japan in terms of quality and number. And completed in 1935, the main museum's exhibition room itself is designated a national tangible cultural property.
Nine national treasures, including illustrated scrolls from The Tale of Genji; 59 important cultural properties; and more pieces add to the surprisingly wealthy collection of daimyo-related treasures. The collection is actually one of the largest in Japan in terms of quality and number. And completed in 1935, the main museum's exhibition room itself is designated a national tangible cultural property.
Event info
Famous Swords Through Time special summer exhibit for the Tokugawa Art Museum's and Hosa Library's 90th anniversary
• Period: Sat, Jun 14–Sun, Sep 7, 2025
First half: Sat, Jun 14–Sun, Jul 27
Second half: Tue, Jul 29–Sun, Sep 7
• Details: Take in displays focusing on renowned swords and gorgeous fittings from the Tokugawa Art Museum's collections with ties to famous warriors and daimyos as you enjoy the spectacular stories behind them. This large-scale exhibition is every bit the spectacle this museum's 90th anniversary should require, bringing together famous artifacts, national treasures, and important cultural properties. Gain insight into both the historical background and beauty of timeless swords, fittings, and the profound world from which they come. The simultaneous and collaborative Touken Ranbu Online too is a must-see event for any sword enthusiast!
Note:
• Admission and other aspects differ from normal museum rules. Be sure to check the official Swords Through Time site before coming to the exhibit. (Information periodically updated.)
• Admission and other aspects differ from normal museum rules. Be sure to check the official Swords Through Time site before coming to the exhibit. (Information periodically updated.)
Recommended souvenirs
Peruse original merchandise based on the six famous swords of the Tokugawa Art Museum's Tokubi Collection and a lineup of other fashionable items available for purchase each year.
Recommended experiences
An explanation of the art museum is held with visitors coming alone in mind four times a day, every day in the entrance lobby for approximately 10 minutes with no reservation required. An alternate version of the explanation is given to groups of 20 or more in the museum's lecture hall for approximately 30 minutes with reservation required, so don't miss out.
• Address: 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
• Phone number: +52-935-6262
• Directions:
Approx. 10-min. walk from the South Exit of Ozone Station on the JR Chuo Line.
Approx. 15-min. walk from Exit E5 of Ozone Station on the Meijo Subway Line.
• Hours: 10:00 am–5:00 pm (admission until 4:30 pm)
• Closed: Mon (the directly following weekday should Mon coincide with a national or make-up holiday)
• Phone number: +52-935-6262
• Directions:
Approx. 10-min. walk from the South Exit of Ozone Station on the JR Chuo Line.
Approx. 15-min. walk from Exit E5 of Ozone Station on the Meijo Subway Line.
• Hours: 10:00 am–5:00 pm (admission until 4:30 pm)
• Closed: Mon (the directly following weekday should Mon coincide with a national or make-up holiday)
Atsuta Jingu Shrine Treasure Museum and the Kusanagi Museum Sword Repository
Atsuta Jingu Shrine Treasure Museum
Ancient, sacred treasures, swords, Japanese-style hand mirrors, and a wealth of some 6,000 items from Atsuta Jingu Shrine's Treasure Museum are put on display with changes to the exhibit each month. Around 180 items designated national treasures, important cultural properties, and Aichi Prefectural cultural properties too make their home here.
The divine Kusanagi Sword—one of Japan's Three Sacred Treasures—was offered to the shrine, and as the home of such a venerable treasure, the museum has become an incredible treasure trove of many other famous swords.
Kusanagi Museum Sword Repository
Approximately 450 swords from this facility's collection meet the public through specialty sword exhibits changing each month. Real-life Japanese katanas, illustrations of deities, historical documents, and other relics are also available to view.
Ancient, sacred treasures, swords, Japanese-style hand mirrors, and a wealth of some 6,000 items from Atsuta Jingu Shrine's Treasure Museum are put on display with changes to the exhibit each month. Around 180 items designated national treasures, important cultural properties, and Aichi Prefectural cultural properties too make their home here.
The divine Kusanagi Sword—one of Japan's Three Sacred Treasures—was offered to the shrine, and as the home of such a venerable treasure, the museum has become an incredible treasure trove of many other famous swords.
Kusanagi Museum Sword Repository
Approximately 450 swords from this facility's collection meet the public through specialty sword exhibits changing each month. Real-life Japanese katanas, illustrations of deities, historical documents, and other relics are also available to view.
Recommended experiences (Kusanagi Museum Sword Repository)
Pick up real-life katanas and a replica of the Magara Sword (Sue no Aoe / Chiyozuru Kuniyasu), feeling the weight for yourself in at the hands-on section. Magara swords are said to have been used by Magara Jurozaemon, a warrior known master of the largest swords in Japan, and the Sue no Aoe sword has a total length of 3.4 meters and a weight of around 10 kilograms, making it hard to even pick up let alone use in battle.
• Address: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
• Phone number: +52-671-0852
• Directions:
5-min. walk from Jingu-mae Station on the Meitetsu Line.
8-min. walk from Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station on the Meijo Subway Line.
10-min. walk from Atsuta Station on the JR Line.
• Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm (admission until 4:00 pm)
• Closed:
Atsuta Jingu Shrine's Treasure Museum: The final Thu and preceding day of the month as well as the end of the year, Dec 25–31
Kusanagi Museum Sword Repository: The day before the Treasure Museum's days off and the end of the year, Dec 25–31
• Phone number: +52-671-0852
• Directions:
5-min. walk from Jingu-mae Station on the Meitetsu Line.
8-min. walk from Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station on the Meijo Subway Line.
10-min. walk from Atsuta Station on the JR Line.
• Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm (admission until 4:00 pm)
• Closed:
Atsuta Jingu Shrine's Treasure Museum: The final Thu and preceding day of the month as well as the end of the year, Dec 25–31
Kusanagi Museum Sword Repository: The day before the Treasure Museum's days off and the end of the year, Dec 25–31
Seki City, Gifu Prefecture
Cutler Sanshu Seki Blade Museum
Buy cutlery and watch as the 25th and 26th generations of sword master Fujiwara no Kanefusa at this experiential complex facility. The Fujiwara no Kanefusa descendants created swords for generations of the Tokugawa clan with a long history as famous craftsmen since the Muromachi period. These masters of sword craftmanship created that used by 72nd yokozuna sumo wrestler Kise no Sato in a dojo ceremony as well as countless other yokozunas to date. Of particular interest even by many from outside of Japan is the awe-inspiring spectacle of the bladesmiths as they hammer the metal, creating a shower of sparks flying through the air.
Event info
Bladesmithing observation experience (free of charge
• Date: Golden Week (actual date still undecided)
• Details: Watch some of the processes in bladesmithing. It usually costs a fee to watch, but during the Golden Week consecutive spring vacation period only, you can watch free of charge.
• Price: Free of charge (For Golden Week only. Ordinarily requires fee.)
• Time required: Approx. 60 min.
• Reservations:
Requires inquiry as entire museum must be rented out.
Reservation required one month in advance (for two or more guests).
Cancellation fees apply: 30% for seven days before event, 50% for the day before event, and 100% for actual day of event.
Recommended souvenirs
Find a selection of choice cutlery made my cutlers around Seki City, including even popular craftsman nail clippers and kitchen knives made with a blacksmith's ingenuity. Age-old Cutler Sanshu offers its beautiful work at direct-from-factory prices. And only available at the museum are the shop's Sekikichi Shusaku brand and knives with the Fujiwara no Kanefusa sword master's name imprinted, made by superior traditional blacksmithing techniques that have been handed down through generations with incredible materials and construction for a sharpness like no other.
And just 10 minutes away on foot from Nagoya Station is the Nikko Style Nagoya hotel, from which you also can buy the nail clippers. Their light action in cutting makes them an item you'll never let out of your sight. So, why not bring the world-recognized, incredible craftsmanship of Seki blades into your own life?
And just 10 minutes away on foot from Nagoya Station is the Nikko Style Nagoya hotel, from which you also can buy the nail clippers. Their light action in cutting makes them an item you'll never let out of your sight. So, why not bring the world-recognized, incredible craftsmanship of Seki blades into your own life?
Recommended experiences
See swords being crafted by descendent craftsmen of sword master Fujiwara no Kanefusa up close, and for a fee, actually pound the sledge for yourself. This invaluable experience is only available here, and you can learn through displays the history, metalworking processes, and other aspects of bladesmithing. If you're lucky, you may actually be able to hear about this work directly from the sword master himself. Explanations are even available in English, so no need to scramble for an interpreter.
• Address: 950-1 Oze, Seki-shi, Gifu
• Phone number: +52-575-28-5147
• Directions: Along Route 156 after exiting Seki Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.
• Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm (admission until 4:00 pm)
• Closed: Open year-round except for Jan 1–3
• Phone number: +52-575-28-5147
• Directions: Along Route 156 after exiting Seki Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.
• Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm (admission until 4:00 pm)
• Closed: Open year-round except for Jan 1–3
Nosyudo
This shop specializes in iaido—the art of drawing one's sword—and offers repair service and sales of iai swords, real katanas, replica swords, and other such pieces. Nosyudo has been in business since its foundation nearly 50 years ago and has continued to utilize the bladesmithing techniques and processes of skilled craftsmen from a town rich in history in each of its quality products.
The establishment also lends its expertise on information regarding iaido dojos and competitions, so why not learn the way of the Japanese katana and the warriors who wield them as you experience the world of the samurai?
The establishment also lends its expertise on information regarding iaido dojos and competitions, so why not learn the way of the Japanese katana and the warriors who wield them as you experience the world of the samurai?
Recommended souvenirs
For anyone interested in beginning iai or those who have already just begun, replica swords are are sure bet for those with little experience. Replicas based on works by past sword masters and those beloved by warriors such as Oda Nobunaga with research done on their outer materials are especially popular. While some are rarely available at the store, they are made-to-order products, so you can get the perfect sword suited to your height, arm length, gender, age, and other factors.
Recommended experiences
Watch up close the process of forming a replica sword's blade after the sand molding process. This event is normally held, letting you easily enjoy craftsmen and their shining techniques. (Breaks occur 12:00 pm–1:00 pm and 3:00 pm–3:30 pm.)
• Address: 1-11-14 Sanno-dori, Seki-shi, Gifu
• Phone number: +52-575-22-2397
• Directions by bus (note there are no train station nearby):
From Nagoya Station, take a highway bus's Nagoya–Seki Mino Route and get off at Shinden Bus Stop.
From Gifu Station, take the Gifu Bus's Gifu Seki Route headed for Seki Higashiyama and get off at Shinden Bus Stop.
• Directions by car:
Get off of Seki Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway and head north on Route 17 for 10 min.
• Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Closed: Sun and festival days
• Phone number: +52-575-22-2397
• Directions by bus (note there are no train station nearby):
From Nagoya Station, take a highway bus's Nagoya–Seki Mino Route and get off at Shinden Bus Stop.
From Gifu Station, take the Gifu Bus's Gifu Seki Route headed for Seki Higashiyama and get off at Shinden Bus Stop.
• Directions by car:
Get off of Seki Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway and head north on Route 17 for 10 min.
• Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Closed: Sun and festival days
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