Where to Find a Japanese Sword Shop in Japan

Japanese swords represent the pinnacle of excellence in sword-making. They are steeped in legends of courage, bravery, devotion and loyalty. Japanese blades continue to attract attention far beyond Japan's borders. Local people remain attached to their incredible aesthetics and power.

Many outsiders believe that only a recognised, licensed Japanese shop in Japan can offer authentic swords. They are right. But where can you buy a katana, a wakizashi or any other Japanese sword?

Take a look at our nine best sword shops in Japan, offering authentic Japanese swords and other samurai-related items.

The 9 best Japanese sword shops in Japan

1. Tokyo Nihonto

Tokyo Nihonto has proved itself with seasoned collectors of Japanese swords as well as budding blade enthusiasts, thanks to its incredible range of original, superior-quality swords.

This Shibuya-based shop works in collaboration with a few legally licensed swordsmiths of Japan who make authentic katana, tanto and wakizashi.

Tokyo Nihonto also offers antique pieces, such as an early 16th-century Bishu Osafune Sukesada Saku katana from the late Muromachi period, as well as an authentic NBTHK-certified Bingo Masayuki katana from the Muromachi period.

And if Japan is not yet part of your travel plans, Tokyo Nihonto's online shop is also worth a visit.

• Contact: contact@tokyo-nihonto.com
• URL: https://tokyo-nihonto.com

2. Samurai Museum Shop

Buying a katana or an authentic Japanese sword made in Japan is particularly meaningful at this shop. Why? It is a museum nestled in the heart of the lively Shinjuku district. You can discover the area's incredible creations before visiting the museum and leaving with a genuine sword.

You can explore authentic samurai armour and helmets and immerse yourself in samurai mythology.

Of course, you can admire the collection of antique blades, such as the NBTHK-certified Tokubetsu Hozon Sueyuki katana, as well as Japanese swords made by famous smiths (Tachibana Yasuhiro, Hizen Koku Yoshikane and Tachibana Yasuhiro). The shop also offers accessories and other sword fittings.

• Address: Nakamura Building 4F, 5-10-14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022, Japan
• Opening hours: 10:30 to 21:00
• URL: https://www.samuraimuseum.jp

3. Aoi Art

Aoi Art is nestled in Tokyo's Shibuya district, renowned for its avant-garde style, luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants and world-class entertainment. The shop houses the most fascinating collections of authentic antique Japanese swords.

Although the shop has an online store, customers often complain about the lack of swords available. Not to worry: Aoi Art has a warehouse full of high-quality swords. The company also wants its customers to visit its shop rather than buy online.

It is important to note that a visit to Aoi Art takes at least a day for simple items and at least a whole week for 3 swords.

• Address: 1-54-6 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053, Japan
• Opening hours: every day except Monday, 10:00 to 18:45
• URL: https://www.aoijapan.com

4. Tozando

This is a Japanese sword shop in Japan with two shops in Kyoto: Nishijin and Shogoin. Tozando specialises in iaito blades (for iaido) and also offers authentic katana.

Takahiko Kimura founded Tozando in 1989 to design high-quality equipment for the finest budo practitioners. You can buy items in their Kyoto shops or on their website to simplify your purchases.

The collection of antique katana is remarkable. For example, the Gendai-era Uesugi Narinori katana looks so simple and elegant, while the Shinto-era Sukesada katana evokes an 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
• Opening hours: every day, except New Year and public-holiday weekends, 9:00 to 18:00 (Nishijin) and 10:00 to 18:00 (Shogoin)
• URL: https://tozando.com/

5. Ginza Seiyudo

If you ask a non-Japanese sword collector what they know about Ginza Seiyudo, you will learn that this shop is one of the largest in Japan. It also offers worldwide delivery, which allows foreigners to own a Japanese sword without having to travel to Japan.

You will be amazed by Ginza Seiyudo's genuine collection of swords. The majority of them hold NBTHK Hozon certification (for example the Mito-ju Katsumura Norikatsu katana) as well as Tokubetsu Hozon (for example the Bansyu Tegarayama - Fumoto Fujiwara katana). Some even hold the Juyo Token designation, the second-highest class (for example the Hizenkoku-jinin Tadayoshi wakizashi).

Unexpectedly, Ginza Seiyudo is a paradise for collectors of Japanese swords, with more than 200 unique swords.

• Address: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0006, Japan
• Opening hours: 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 19:00
• URL: http://world.seiyudo.com/

6. Ginza Seikodo

Founded in 1905, Ginza Seikodo is an iconic Japanese institution offering original Japanese swords and accessories. Its reputation is recognised not only in Japan but also internationally. Foreign travellers seeking authentic, refined Japanese art will always include it in their plans.

Why wouldn't they? It is rare to find a sword certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Juyo in Japanese shops. The shop previously offered the katana attributed to Kanemitsu. The majority of its items are certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon, which suggests that Ginza Seikodo sells only Japanese works of art of great value.

• Address: Seikodo Bldg., 8-11-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday 11:00 to 17:00
• URL: https://ginzaseikodo.com

7. Sokendo

Although Sokendo specialises in carbon-steel swords, the company never forgets Japan's legendary, historic blades. You can therefore count on its collection of antique Japanese swords, of exceptional quality.

Sokendo is committed to offering the only authentic Japanese blades dating from the Heian era. It gives sword lovers the opportunity to acquire a true family heirloom. They are a living symbol of Japan's cultural wealth and past.

Nestled in Japan's Shibuya district, Sokendo has another shop at the Imperial Hotel. Most sword lovers prefer to go there, as it is always open, even on public 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
• Opening days: Sokendo (every day except Thursday), Imperial (every day), 10:00 to 19:00, except national holidays on Sundays (until 18:00)
• URL: https://www.sokendo.jp

8. Japan Sword

Founded in the 20th century, Japan Sword is one of the most prized Japanese sword shops in the Minato district. It offers an impressive selection of authentic Japanese blades, antique and new.

Visit the Japan Sword gallery and let yourself be amazed by the samurai works of art, which include sword fittings, helmets and even armour. If you own an old, worn Japanese blade, take it to Japan Sword; they will restore it to its original shape.

Prices at Japan Sword are surprising and cheaper than at other Tokyo shops. You will get your money's worth. Good news for budding Japanese sword enthusiasts on a tight budget.

• Address: 3-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001, Japan
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 to 18:00, Saturday 9:30 to 17:00
• URL: http://www.japansword.co.jp

9. Samurai Store

Fans of the famous samurai must include Samurai Store, a Japanese sword shop in Japan, in their travel plans. Samurai Store offers a superb collection of 100% hand-made samurai clothing and accessories.

What would a samurai be without his famous sword? Samurai Store offers authentic katana and wakizashi, some of them certified by the NBTHK (for example, 17th-century Jumyo katana and 14th-century Shikkake katana).

Founded in 2002, Samurai Store has three shops in Tokyo and one in Yokohama. The latter is renowned for its impressive collection of katana. So if you are looking for Japan's most famous blade, avoid Tokyo.

• 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 buy from properly licensed Japanese sword shops?

Buying Japanese swords is simple, because these blades are very popular. However, that is also their Achilles heel: they are open to shady operators who profit from their popularity.

Certificates from reputable, properly licensed Japanese sword shops guarantee blades of the highest quality. By "authentic", we mean swords made by certified local swordsmiths who completed 5 to 7 years of training before being recognised by the government as katana-kaji. Some offer NBTHK-certified blades and sword accessories.

They also hold the necessary documents, notably the Toroku-shinsa-kaijo Torokushu issued by the Prefectural Board of Education (Kyokai-inkai). Japanese swords must also comply with the Jutoho rules and with Japan's law on the control of the possession of firearms and swords, and their blades must be classed as "art objects".

In the end, you will not have to worry about the export of Japanese swords, since licensed shops know the legal rules (that is, the export permit and the shipping forms).

Why go to a licensed Japanese sword shop? It is for your security and ease of use. Buying an authentic Japanese blade from a licensed shop spares you legal complications over its provenance and export.

Final thoughts

An authentic blade bought from a trusted Japanese shop in Japan is the best protection against counterfeits. You would not want to spend your hard-earned money on an item of little historical importance (not to mention the legal consequences of ending up with a counterfeit Japanese sword).

If you are planning a trip to Japan to buy the ideal Japanese sword, do not hesitate to visit one of the shops mentioned. You will be delighted with your visit and will have the chance to own a genuine Japanese blade.