Where to see Japanese swords in Japan
Part 1

Published on 28/05/2025
By Nicholas Fu

If you’re wondering where in the world is the best place to see Japanese swords… well, it’s Japan. Shocking, I know. But truly, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Nihonto than in the land where they were born. Whether in major cities or countryside towns, incredible swords are on display across the entire country—with the notable exception of Hokkaido, which doesn’t share the same swordmaking history as the rest of Japan.

This article is aimed at those visiting Japan—especially for the first time—with an interest in seeing Japanese swords up close. That said, seasoned collectors may also find some useful pointers. We’ll focus on the key regions most travelers pass through on their first journey to Japan, highlighting the most prominent museums, exhibitions, and sword-related sites worth seeing along the way.  Please note that we will not be covering dealerships in this article.

TOKYO

For most first-time visitors to Japan, Tokyo is the natural first stop—and fortunately, it’s also a fantastic place to see Japanese swords. The City is home to some of the country’s finest museums and galleries dedicated to the art of Nihonto.

The Japanese Sword Museum (NBTHK Museum) – Ryogoku, Tokyo

The Japanese Sword Museum (NBTHK Museum) – Ryogoku, Tokyo

Tucked away in the historic Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the Japanese Sword Museum—operated by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords)—is one of the most important destinations for any sword enthusiast. Just a short walk from Ryogoku Station, it’s easy to reach via Tokyo’s efficient JR or subway lines.

The museum hosts the annual exhibition of award-winning works from the modern sword craftsmen competition, showcasing the finest contemporary examples of Nihonto craftsmanship. Outside of this period, it features special exhibitions throughout the year. The most recent one I had the pleasure of seeing was the “Edo Sansaku” - The 3 Great smiths of the Edo period - Masahide, Naotane and last but not least, Kiyomaro.  Being especially interested in Shinto and Shinshinto era history and works, made this exhibition especially exciting for me.

Suinshi Masahide

For those interested, the exhibition that is already currently being exhibited at the time of this article’s posting is titled the “Expression of Beauty in Japanese swords and the Essense of Satsuma Metalwork.”

Located in Ueno, the Tokyo National Museum is one of the most magnificent and prestigious museums in the world. As Japan’s oldest national museum, it houses an unparalleled collection of cultural treasures, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and archaeological relics. Visitors can explore thousands of years of Japanese history and artistry through meticulously curated exhibitions that span from ancient times to the modern era. The museum grounds themselves, with their beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens, offer an experience as rich as the collections within.

The Tokyo National Museum regularly displays some of the finest examples of Samurai armor and Nihonto in existence, including swords designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. These blades are rotated seasonally, so each visit offers something new and unexpected. I’ve made it a tradition to visit the museum annually, and every time, I’m left in awe of what’s on display. On my first visit in 2023, I was stunned to find the legendary O-Kanehira exhibited—I ended up spending nearly two hours just admiring it. The following year, I was fortunate enough to see a signed tachi by Kanemitsu, and most recently, I encountered the breathtaking Ishida Masamune AND Ishida Sadamune. Each visit feels like discovering a hidden gem in the world of Nihonto.

During my most recent visit, in addition to the Ishida Masamune and Sadamune, the exhibition featured two Ichimonji tachi, a katana by Kotetsu, as well as works by Sukehiro and Kuniyasu. To witness such an extraordinary concentration of masterpieces in a single visit was nothing short of remarkable.

While not a museum, Tsutaya Bookstore in Ginza Six deserves an honourable mention for any Nihonto enthusiast visiting Tokyo. One section of the store is dedicated entirely to Japanese swords, featuring beautifully displayed pieces behind glass cases.

Typically, the display includes several Shinsakutō (modern-made swords), along with the occasional antique blade behind the counter. The selection rotates from time to time, and although it’s not a large exhibit, it’s always worth a quick look—especially if you’re already in the Ginza area.

Beyond the swords themselves, Tsutaya is a fantastic place to browse sword-related literature, with a curated range of Japanese and English books on Nihonto, samurai culture, craftsmanship, and history. This bookstore is a quiet and classy corner of Ginza that’s worth stepping into.

NAGOYA

Situated between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is often passed over—but for samurai and sword enthusiasts, it offers a few of the most impressive samurai museums and galleries in the country. With deep historical ties to the Tokugawa shogunate, Nagoya is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in Japan’s warrior heritage.

Located in Nagoya’s Sakae district, Nagoya Touken World is an expansive multi-floor museum dedicated to the art and history of the Japanese sword. It features over 200 swords—many of which are designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.  There are also approximately 50 sets of armor, 150 ukiyo-e prints, an entire floor dedicated to samurai ranged weapons such as bows and arrows, as well as a large collection of historical firearms.  It’s jam-packed with the most mouth-watering artifacts.

The museum spans 6 floors! Each floor is curated to immerse visitors in various aspects of samurai culture, from master-crafted blades to detailed armor displays and rotating themed exhibitions. A well-stocked gift shop offers a selection of books and unique items for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This museum is a MUST-SEE for any Samurai Culture enthusiast.

The Tokugawa Art Museum, located in Nagoya, is a prestigious private museum that houses an exceptional collection of samurai swords (nihonto), armour, and various historical artifacts related to the Tokugawa family, one of Japan’s most powerful and influential clans. The museum’s holdings include heirlooms passed down through the Owari Tokugawa branch, offering visitors a rare opportunity to view authentic pieces that were once owned and used by Japan’s ruling elite during the Edo period. It is a must-visit for those interested in samurai culture, fine craftsmanship, and the legacy of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Atsuta Jingu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, located in Nagoya, and is revered for enshrining the sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi, one of the legendary Three Imperial Regalia of Japan. With a history spanning over 1,900 years, the shrine is a spiritual and cultural landmark visited by millions annually. For enthusiasts of Japanese swords, Atsuta Jingu is also home to the Atsuta Jingu Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Nihonto, armour, and traditional artifacts donated by warlords and noble families throughout history. It is a fantastic place to appreciate the craftsmanship and historical importance of samurai swords in a sacred setting.

Gifu Prefecture, particularly Seki City, holds a prominent place in the history of Japanese sword-making as the heart of the Mino tradition (Mino-den). During the Muromachi period, Seki flourished as one of Japan’s leading sword production centers, attracting many skilled smiths who developed a distinct style known for its practicality and durability. The Mino tradition became one of the five major sword schools of Japan, and its legacy is still preserved in Gifu today through museums, exhibitions, and active craftsmen who continue the centuries-old techniques of Nihonto forging.

The Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum in Gifu Prefecture offers an immersive journey into over 700 years of Japanese sword-making heritage. Located in Seki City, renowned as the “City of Blades,” the museum showcases the evolution of swordsmithing from the Kamakura period to modern times. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring historical swords, forging tools, and intricate fittings, including masterpieces by famed artisans like Magoroku Kanemoto and Kanesada.

A highlight of the museum is the live sword-forging demonstrations, where skilled swordsmiths, donned in traditional attire, craft blades using age-old techniques. These demonstrations, held monthly and during special events, provide a rare glimpse into the meticulous process of Japanese sword-making.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Located in the northwestern part of Kyoto, Kitano Tenmangū Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship. While it is best known for its seasonal plum blossoms and students praying for academic success, it also holds great significance for Nihonto enthusiasts.

Within its grounds lies a treasure house (宝物殿, Hōmotsuden), where a number of important cultural artifacts are preserved—including Japanese swords. Among the swords housed here is the famed Onikirimaru (鬼切丸), also known as Higekiri, a legendary blade with deep historical and mythical significance. The sword is not always on public display, but the treasure hall occasionally opens for exhibitions, offering a rare chance to view this famous weapon and others of great cultural value.

Located in Kyoto, the Tozando Gallery is a modern and elegant space dedicated to showcasing the works of contemporary Japanese swordsmiths. The gallery features an impressive and extensive display of swords by Mukansa-level craftsmen—a prestigious designation meaning “above judgment,” awarded to swordsmiths whose work is no longer subject to competition appraisal due to their exceptional and consistent mastery. This makes the gallery a rare and valuable place to witness the peak of modern Nihonto craftsmanship. Remarkably, most—if not all—of the swords on display are also available for purchase, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire top-tier, exhibition-quality blades directly.

OKAYAMA

Okayama, located in western Honshu, has a rich history tied to Japanese swordsmithing. It was once home to the Bizen province—one of the most famous sword-making regions in Japan. The Bizen tradition, known for its beautiful jigane (steel surface) and elegant choji-midare hamon (clove-shaped temper lines), produced many legendary smiths, especially during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Today, Okayama remains an important location for those interested in the legacy of traditional Japanese sword craftsmanship.

Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, located in Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, is a premier destination for enthusiasts of traditional Japanese sword-making. Situated in a region historically renowned for producing fine swords since the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the museum offers visitors an immersive experience into the art and craft of Nihonto.

Beyond its impressive collection of swords and fittings, the museum provides a unique opportunity to observe the intricate process of sword-making firsthand. Visitors can witness each of the six to seven specialized craftsmen at work, including the swordsmith forging the blade, the polisher refining its edge, and artisans crafting the hilt and scabbard. These demonstrations showcase the collaborative effort required to create a complete Japanese sword.

The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions throughout the year, highlighting various aspects of sword history and craftsmanship.  The museum is also the proud custodian of the Yamatorige (also known as Sanchōmō), one of Japan’s most famous swords and a designated National Treasure. This legendary blade is put on public display only once a year, typically for one month, making it a rare and highly anticipated event for sword enthusiasts and historians alike. The Bizen Osafune Museum offers a deeply educational and visually captivating experience into the art and spirit of Japanese sword-making.

The Hayashibara Museum of Art, located in Okayama City, is a distinguished institution renowned for its extensive collection of Japanese swords (Nihonto) and related artifacts. Established in 1964, the museum houses approximately 10,000 items from the personal collection of Ichiro Hayashibara, including swords, armor, and pottery, as well as Noh costumes, furniture, paintings, and Japanese lacquerware from the Ikeda clan, the former feudal lords of Okayama. 

The museum's collection features several items designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. Exhibitions are rotated four to five times per year due to limited space, allowing visitors to experience different facets of the collection throughout the year. 

Situated near the inner moat of Okayama Castle, the museum's location adds historical context to its exhibits, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Japan's samurai culture and craftsmanship in a setting steeped in history

While this article has focused on the most well-known museums and galleries located in Japan’s major cities and most visited regions, these are by no means the only places where you can encounter masterworks of Nihonto. From National Treasures to Juyo Bijutsuhin, the institutions mentioned here offer access to some of the finest and most significant blades in existence. That said, for those willing to go off the beaten path, there are many more niche locations waiting to be discovered—such as the Nikko Tōshōgū Shrine, where ancient ōdachi and nodachi are enshrined, or the Kuwana City Museum in Mie Prefecture, which preserves multiple works by the infamous Muramasa.

In the next part of this series, we’ll explore these hidden gems and lesser-known sword destinations across Japan. I hope this article has helped you and look forward to writing the next one. Till the next one! Enjoy.