Japanese swords represent the pinnacle of excellence in sword-making. They are infused with legends of courage, bravery devotion as well as loyalty Japanese blades have continued to attract the attention of people beyond Japan's boundaries. Locals continue to hold on to their faith in Japanese blades' incredible aesthetics and power.
A lot of outsiders believe only a legitimately recognized and authorized Japanese store in Japan can offer authentic swords. They're correct. But where do you purchase an katana, wakizashi or a different Japanese swords from?
Take a look at our top nine sword stores located in Japan, offering authentic Japanese swords and other Samurai related products.
9 Best Japanese Sword Shops in Japan
1. Tokyo Nihonto
Tokyo Nihonto is proving its worth among veteran Japanese sword collectors as well as aspiring blade enthusiasts thanks to its amazing assortment of original, top-quality swords.
This Shibuya -based shop is a collaboration with a few of Japan's legally licensed swordsmiths who make authentic katana and tanto and wakizashi swords.
It is true that Tokyo Nihonto also offers antique items, like an early 16 16th Bishu Osafune Sukesada Saku late-Muromachi period katana as well as an authentic NBTHK Muromachi Period Bingo Masayuki Katana.
And, if Japan isn't part of your travel agenda yet Tokyo Nihonto's online store is also worth a visit.
- Contact: contact@tokyo-nihonto.com
- URL: https://tokyo-nihonto.com
2. Samurai Museum Shop
The purchase of a katana or an authentic Japanese sword made in Japan is more significant in this store. Why? It's a museum that is tucked into the midst of the bustling Shinjuku. You can sample the amazing offerings of the area before visiting this museum and bringing home a genuine blade.
You can explore authentic samurai armors and helmets as well as immerse yourself in the samurai mythology.
Of course, you'll be able to look through the collection of antique blades, such as those from the NBTHK certified Tokubetsu Hozon Sueyuki Katana, as well as Japanese swords created by famous swordsmiths (i.e., Tachibana Yasuhiro, Hizen Koku Yoshikane, and Tachibana Yasuhiro). The shop also has fittings and other elements of the sword as well.
- Address: Nakamura Building 4F, 5-10-14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan
- Business Hours: 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- URL: https://www.samuraimuseum.jp
3. Aoi Art
Aoi Art nestles in Tokyo's Shibuya district, which is known for its fashion-forward style and glitzy shops, gourmet dining establishments, and world-class entertainment. The shop is home to the most intriguing collections of genuine antique Japanese swords.
While the shop does have the presence of an internet-based shop, customers frequently complain about the absence of swords available. Do not fret, since Aoi Art has a storage filled with high-quality swords. It would also like customers to visit their shop rather than shopping on the internet.
It is important to note that visiting Aoi Art requires at least one day for single items, and a minimum of an entire week for 3 swords.
- Address: 1-54-6 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053 Japan
- Hours of operation: Daily except Monday, from 10:00 AM to 6:45 pm
- URL: https://www.aoijapan.com
4. Tozando
It is a Japanese sword shop located in Japan has two locations located in Kyoto: Nishijin and Shogoin. However, Tozando is a specialist on Iaito blades (for Iaido), it also has authentic Katana swords.
Takahiko Kimura founded Tozando in 1989 to design high-quality equipment for the best Budo warriors. You can buy their Kyoto stores or on their website to make shopping as easy as possible.
The collection of antique katanas from the past is remarkable. For instance it is for instance, the Gendai Era Uesugi Narinori katana appears so simple and elegant and elegant, while its Shinto Era Sukesada katana is like a old-fashioned Bizen tradition.
- Address 1 (Nishijin): 451-1 Shinhakusuimaru-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8205 Japan
- Address 2 (Shogoin): 24 Entomi-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8323 Japan
- hours of business: All days, except the New Year and holiday weekends, from 9 am to 6 pm (Nishijin) 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM (Shogoin)
- URL: https://tozando.com/
5. Ginza Seiyudo
If you ask any non-Japanese collector of swords to provide you with information what they know about Ginza Seiyudo. The shop is among the largest in Japan. Japanese sword shops. They also offer shipping all over the world, which allows foreigners to have a Japanese sword, without having to be in Japan.
You'll be amazed by Ginza Seiyudo's genuine sword collection. The majority of them have NBTHK Hozon (i.e. mito-ju Katsumura Norikatsu Katana) as well as Tokubetsu Hozon (i.e. it's Bansyu Tegarayama - Fumoto Fujiwara Katana) certification. There are some who even carry a second-best Juyo Token class (i.e. Hizenkoku-jinin Tadayoshi Wakizashi).
Unexpectedly, Ginza Seiyudo is a haven for Japanese sword collectors, providing more than 200 unique swords.
- Address: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0006 Japan
- hours of business: 24/7 10 am to 12:30 PM, and 2:00 until 7:00 PM.
- URL: http://world.seiyudo.com/
6. Ginza Seikodo
It was founded in 1905. Ginza Seikodo was established in 1905 and is an iconic Japanese institution that offers original Japanese swords and accessories. The reputation of Ginza Seikodo is not just well-known in Japan but also internationally. Foreign travelers seeking the finest authentic Japanese art will always include Ginza Seikodo as part of their plans.
Why would they not? It's uncommon to find an NBTHK Tokubetsu Juyo token-certified sword in Japanese shops. The shop previously offered the Kanemitsu-attributed katana. A majority of its items have an NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification, suggesting that Ginza Seikodo only deals with the highest-value Japanese art.
- Address: Seikod Bldg. 8-11-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061 Japan
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday 10L00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays 11L00 AM to 5:00 PM
- URL: https://ginzaseikodo.com
7. Sokendo
While Sokendo is a specialist in carbon-steel swords, the company never forgets the storied and historical blades of Japan. Therefore, you can count on its old Japanese sword collection amazing.
Sokendo promises to offer the only genuine Japanese blades dating back to The Heian Era. It offers those who love swords the opportunity to acquire an authentic family treasured heirloom. They are a vivid symbol of Japan's rich culture and past.
Nestled inside Japan's Shibuya neighborhood, Sokendo has another store located at The Imperial Hotel. Most sword shoppers would prefer to shop at to shop at the Imperial because it's always open even on national holidays.
- Address 1: 6-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
- Address 2: Imperial Hotel B1F 1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011
- Working Days: Sokendo (Daily except Thursday), Imperial (Daily) 10 am to 7 pm, excluding the national holidays on Sundays (up until 6:00 pm).)
- URL: https://www.sokendo.jp
8. Japan Sword
Japan Sword is one of Minato District's coveted Japanese sword shops, which was founded in the 20th century. It boasts an impressive selection of genuine Japanese blades, antique as well as new.
Check out Japan Sword's gallery to be amazed by Samurai artwork, which includes sword fittings, helmets, and even armor. If you own an old, worn-out Japanese blade, bring it to Japan Sword and they'll bring it back to its original form.
The prices at Japan Sword are surprising, and are less expensive than other stores in Tokyo. You'll get a good value for dollars. That's good news for budding Japanese sword lovers who have budget-conscious.
- Address: 3-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
- Business Hours: Mondays to Fridays 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- URL: http://www.japansword.co.jp
9. Samurai Store
The fans of the renowned Samurai must include Samurai Store, a Japanese sword shop located in Japan in their travel plans. Samurai Store has a stunning collection of 100% handmade Samurai clothing and other accessories.
What's an Samurai without their famous sword? Samurai Store offers authentic katana and wakizashi swords, a few of which are certified by NBTHK (i.e. 17th century Jumyo Katana, and 14th century Shikkake Katana).
Established in 2002, Samurai Store has three shops located in Tokyo and another located in Yokohama. The latter is famous for its impressive katana collection. So, you may want to stay clear of Tokyo If you're on search of Japan's most well-known blade.
- Address 1: 6-10-4 Jingumae, 2nd Floor, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001 Japan
- Address 2: 2 Yamaschitacho Bldg. 2F, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0023 Japan
- URL: https://samuraistore.com/
Why Shop at Duly-authorized Japanese Sword Shops?
Shopping for Japanese swords is simple since these blades are a hit. However, this is also the sword's Achilles heel, allowing them to shady entities who take advantage of the popularity of these blades.
Affidavits from reputable and properly-authorized Japanese sword shops ensure that the highest quality blades. By "authentic," we mean swords made by certified local swordsmiths who complete 5 to 7 years of training before being recognized by the government as Katana-Kaji. Some have NBTHK-certified blades and accessories for swords.
They also have the correct documentation, which includes the Toroku-shinsa-kaijo Torokushu from Kyokai-inkai local (Prefectural Education Board). Japanese swords are also required to be in compliance with rules of Jutoho as well as Japanese's Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law and highlight their blades to be "art objects" not "weapons."
In the end, you won't need to be concerned regarding the export of Japanese swords since authorized stores are familiar with the legal rules (i.e. the export permit and forms for dispatch).
Why go to an authorized Japanese sword stores? This is for your safety and ease of use. The fact is, having the authentic Japanese blade is free of legal complications.
Final Thoughts
A genuine blade purchased from a trusted Japanese store in Japan is the most effective protection against counterfeits. You do not want to spend your hard-earned money for something that has little historical significance (not to consider the legal consequences should you get confronted with counterfeit Japanese sword). ).
If you're planning on going to Japan to purchase the perfect Japanese sword, be sure to go to one of the stores we have mentioned. You'll be glad you did and have the chance to own a real Nihongo blade.
