The Japanese Sword Museum
Cost
Attractions > Tokyo > Museums > Tokyo Station
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Japanese swords on display at the Japanese Sword Museum in Ryokgoku
About
The Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku has a small but spectacular collection of Japanese samurai swords. Most of the swords were forged in modern times but there are some (a few) that are actually from the 13th and 14th centuries (900 years old). If your interested in Japanese swords, The Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku should be on your list of places to visit. If you don't care about swords too much... of course it will be a let down and there is no reason to visit. There is some English but some of the explanations and exhibits are lacking and or are limited in scope so be prepared for that. Furthermore, there is an informative explanation and step by step example of how the sword is forged. The lighting in sword gallery is designed so that there is minimal reflection on the glass from the observer's side. The swords in the gallery are absolutely breathtaking and the perfect lighting brings out the engravings and beauty of the swords.
Note that the museum does NOT allow photos of the swords so PLEASE don't complain about it as you know before you enter. The price also seems a bit high for a small gallery but understand that much of the fee goes to preserving the swords and the history of swords. If you like the Japanese Sword Museum and swords in general you might also want to visit the Tokyo National Museum (they have over 30 historical swords) and or the Tsukamoto Museum (small collection but free entry) out in Chiba and take a look at the Japanese swords there as well.
Access
Closest Train Station: Ryogoku
1--12-９ Yokoami
Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015 Japan
Tel: 03-6284-1000
1.) Sobu Line: 7 minutes walk from West Exit of Ryogoku Station, JR Sobu Line.
2.) Oedo Subway Line: 5 minutes walk from A1 Exit of Ryogoku Station, Toei Subway Oedo Line.
The Japanese Sword Museum is very easy to get to from anywhere in Tokyo. From Tokyo Station you can get there in about 20-25 min. total. From Ryogoku it's a nice quick walk and you'll even pass through a very pretty park (the "Former Yasuda Garden") which offers some great photo opportunities.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby The Japanese Sword Museum.
Hours & Fees
Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last admission: 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays (If National Holiday on a Monday, will be closed Tuesday)
Cost: Adult: 1,000 yen, 15-18: 700 yen, Under 15: Free
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: The Japanese Sword Museum Homepage
