About
In a quiet corner of Yokozuna, Sumida Ward, Tokyo’s old downtown, stands the Sword Museum. Situated within the lush grounds of the former Yasuda Garden, this museum is housed in a modern concrete building that, while contemporary, harmonizes with the surrounding nature and invites visitors into a tranquil space.
Upon entering the museum, the first thing that catches the eye is the information corner on the first floor. Here, the processes of Japanese sword making and polishing techniques are clearly explained, allowing even beginners to experience the depth of this world. Through videos and actual exhibits, the unique characteristics of Japanese swords—“unbreakable, unbending, and extremely sharp,” achieved by repeatedly heating and folding tamahagane steel—are vividly conveyed.
Taking the elevator to the third floor, visitors find the special exhibition room. This space, with its semicircular ceiling, hosts themed exhibitions that change every few months. Along the walls, display cases showcase famous swords designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, each radiating timeless beauty. For example, the “Katana Mumei Taima,” made in Yamato Province at the end of the Kamakura period, is characterized by its fine steel and gentle temper pattern, reflecting the skill and aesthetic sense of swordsmiths of that era.
In the glass case at the center of the exhibition room, sword fittings such as tsuba (handguards) and fuchigashira (pommel and collar) are displayed, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of artisans from various fields. Also on display are origami certificates by Hon’ami Mitsutada, who served the Edo Shogunate as a sword polisher and appraiser, giving visitors a tangible sense of the origin of the term “origami-tsuki” (certified).
After enjoying the exhibits, visitors can head to the rooftop garden on the third floor. From this lawn-covered space, one can look down on the former Yasuda Garden and the Ryogoku Kokugikan, providing a moment of respite from the bustle of the city.
In the café space on the first floor, visitors can relax and enjoy the view of the garden’s greenery through large windows. The museum shop offers unique items such as realistic “sword straps” and “tamahagane biscotti” that pair well with tea, making perfect souvenirs to commemorate the visit.
The museum originally opened in Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, in 1968 and relocated to its current location in Sumida Ward in 2018. As an affiliated facility of the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, it is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and appraisal of Japanese swords and their culture. Its collection includes three National Treasure tachi swords and many other tangible cultural properties, making it a hub for sharing the allure of Japanese sword culture both domestically and internationally.
The Sword Museum is not merely a place to view Japanese swords as weapons, but a space where visitors can appreciate their artistic value, historical background, and the skill and spirit of the craftsmen who created them. In the quiet atmosphere, visitors can reflect on the beauty and history of Japanese swords, leaving with a deep and lasting impression.