Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo

About Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo

Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the artistry of Japanese swordmaking, this specialized museum houses an exceptional collection of blades representing 1,000 years of Japanese sword history. Operated by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, the museum displays national treasures, important cultural properties, and contemporary works. The modern facility features a roof garden and educational programs that illuminate the spiritual and artistic significance of the Japanese sword.

History

The Japanese Sword Museum was established on May 25, 1968, by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK), or the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, an organization founded in 1948 to protect Japanese swords and related craft traditions during the post-war period. The museum originally operated in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, where it served for nearly five decades as a central repository for nihonto scholarship and connoisseurship. The previous facility closed on March 31, 2017, and the current purpose-built, three-story reinforced concrete museum opened on January 19, 2018, at 1-12-9 Yokoami in Sumida-ku. The Ryogoku site is adjacent to the Kyu-Yasuda Garden, on grounds historically linked to the Yasuda family. The museum does not represent a single regional tradition but curates works from all the major schools (Yamashiro, Yamato, Bizen, Soshu and Mino), with particular strength in blades from the Heian, Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods. NBTHK offices remain inside the building.

What to See

The collection holds approximately 190 items, including swords, tosogu (sword fittings), yoroi (armor) and metalworking documents, with a number designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. The display rotates regularly by theme, so featured blades change between exhibitions rather than remaining on permanent view. The main third-floor gallery is built around single-file viewing cases that allow close inspection of hamon (temper line), jihada (grain pattern) and nakago (tang) signatures. A reading room and lecture hall on the lower floors support the NBTHK's ongoing work in sword appraisal and the shinsa ranking system, which classifies blades as Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, Juyo and Tokubetsu Juyo. Because NBTHK oversees the annual Shinsaku Meito Ten competition for contemporary smiths, prize-winning modern works also appear in rotation, giving visitors a direct comparison between classical masterworks and current practitioners of the craft.

Visitor Tips

The museum is open 9:30 to 17:00 with last admission at 16:30, closed Mondays (open on national holidays, closed the following Tuesday) and during exhibition transitions. Adult admission is 1,000 yen, students 500 yen, under-15s free; fees vary by show. Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes. It sits a 5-minute walk from Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line, A1 exit) and 7 minutes from JR Sobu Line. The Edo-Tokyo Museum and Kokugikan sumo stadium are nearby, and Kyu-Yasuda Garden is next door.

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)

Admission:

• Adults: 1,000 yen
• Students: 500 yen
• Under 15: Free

Access: 7-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station West Exit, or 5-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on Toei Oedo Line (Exit A1).

Museum Highlights

• National treasure swords
• Exhibition hall
• Museum shop
• Educational lectures

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours at Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo?

9:30-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)

How much is admission to Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo?

Adults: 1,000 yen; Students: 500 yen; Under 15: Free

How do I get to Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo?

7-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station West Exit, or 5-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on Toei Oedo Line (Exit A1).