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The Japanese Sword Museum's cutting edge art
The Japanese Sword Musem is about the bladed weapons of the Samurai. In particular, it is about their artistic value and beauty. History takes a backseat. The focus is art, with a cutting edge.
This museum is immaculate. It is small. There were around fifty blades on the third-floor display area when I visited. But there is much to enjoy. Everything is high quality.
The swords come from many eras of Japanese history. On my last visit, I saw a 13th-century tachi, the predecessor of the katana. Another time, an exhibit had some suits of armor. What you see will depend on when you visit. The exhibits change several times over the year.
History isn’t so important here. Yes, you can learn who made them and carried them in some cases. But the Japanese Sword Musem is not about that. It is about their artistic beauty. Visitors go there to appreciate them.
One of the things I appreciate is the hamon. Hamon is a pattern running along the blade. It is created during the hardening process. This is one of the things that make Japanese swords unique and beautiful.
And that is only a tiny part of what goes into these swords. You’ll be able to see the things that make Japanese swords works of art. That means looking at tsuba (crossguards), menuki (metal fittings), and more.
A brief history of the museum
- The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords operates the museum. They founded it in 1948 to preserve these weapons. Why? Because the post-war Occupation administration was confiscating weapons, including swords. Something needed to be done.
- The society saw their swords as a vital part of their culture. They were also pieces of art. Luckily for all of us, they were successful in their efforts.
- The original museum opened in the Yoyogi district of Shinjuku ward in 1978. It closed in 2017 to move to its current location. In 2018, it once again opened to the public.
What can you see there?
Of course, you can see lots and lots of swords! Japan has many different types. Depending on the exhibit, you might see there are:
- Katana – one of the most famous swords of all time. It was developed during the Nanboku-cho period (1336-1392).
- Kodachi – a short sword.
- Tachi – the father of the katana. They were first made during the Heian period (794-1185).
- Tanto – a short blade between 15-30 centimeters. It is classed as a sword and often used as a knife.
- Wakizashi – a short blade between 30 and 60 centimeters. It is often paired with a katana.
Some swords will be complete, in their scabbards, and fully decorated. Others will be only the blade and nakago (tang). There is also all the paraphernalia that goes with the swords like:
- tsuba – crossguards.
- Menuki – small metal fittings fixed to the hilt to prevent hands from slipping.
- Fuchigashira – decorative metal caps attached to the hilt.
- Kozuka – a utility knife that is placed on the scabbard.
- Kogai – a decorative utensil fitted into a slot on the side of the scabbard.
You will also be able to learn about how the weapons were created. On the first floor is an area devoted to this. It also has a video, but that is in Japanese only.
Are cameras allowed at the museum?
I’m sorry to say it depends. Some swords can’t be photographed, and they’ll be marked so. And unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed in some exhibits. So, to avoid disappointment, contact the museum before you go and ask.
Photography tips for the museum
- The lighting is quite good, but you will still need high ISO.
- The lighting and glass have been optimized for people, not for cameras. When taking pictures, you might find a lot of glare in your photos. Play with your camera, and move it around to get minimum reflections and bright spots.
- The quality of the glass is very good. But be careful getting absorbed in your photography. You could bump the cabinets with your lens if you don’t pay attention.
- A zoom lens might be useful. I used my Fujifilm 16-55 mm, or these photos and found it rather short. There were times when I wanted to get closer to the swords.
Where is the Japanese Sword Museum?
Two stations near the museum. They are:
- JR Ryogoku – This is on the Sobu Line. Leave via the North Exit and walk past the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium.
- Ryogoku subway – This station is on the Toei Oedo (subway) line. Leave via exit A1.
- Whichever station you leave, you find the Former Yasuda Gardens. It’ll be about a seven-minute walk. Once there, the museum will be in the northwest corner.
- By the way, Yasuda Gardens is one of the prettiest parks in Tokyo. It would be a good idea to take a walk around it and enjoy its beauty.
Official address: 1-12-9 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Opening hours
- The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (Last admission is at 4:30 pm)
- It is closed on Mondays. The museum is open on holidays (but closed the following day).
- The museum closes over Christmas and New Year. Check those dates on the website before you go.
Public restrooms
Available.
Japanese Sword Museum Admission costs
- Adults – 1000 yen
- Children – 500 yen
You can see its website here.
Wrapping up
Please remember, this museum is not about the samurai. You’ll be disappointed if you go there expecting to learn about them. It is about the swords and everything associated with them.
And while some people have said the Japanese Sword Museum is small, the quality of its exhibits is superb. The blades were created by the masters of their times, old and modern. They deserve to be recognized as art. You could say they are cutting-edge!
And once you finish, there is a lot to check out in the area:
And if you have been to the Japanese Sword Museum, what did you think of it? I’d love to know your opinion. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
