Location:
The Japanese Sword Museum is located in Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo. The Ryogoku area is one of the most famous areas in Sumida Ward, like Skytree and Kinshicho.
It’s only a few steps away from the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena and Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Besides, it is close to Ryogoku Station, which takes only 2 minutes to walk from the station, after Sumo Stadium.
History:
The Japanese Sword Museum was opened in Sumida Ward in January 2018, next to Sumo Stadium and before Kyuyasuda Garden, an Edo-style Japanese garden.
However, the Japanese Sword Museum was founded in the 1960s.
Most importantly, it is essential to mention that the Japanese Sword Museum was in Shibuya from 1978-2017, run by a Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords. In 2018, they brought the museum to Sumida City.
Purpose:
The primary goal of the founding sword museum was to preserve Japanese swords. In addition, it also had the aim of presenting exhibitions of modern and antique blade-related cultural artifacts.
The primary target of the museum is to educate the public about Japanese traditional swords and support modern swordsmiths and craftspeople.
Japanese Sword Museum has a good connection with the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) because the NBTHK preserves the same aim and value as the museum does.
The Nihon Bijustsu Token Hozon Kyokai(NBTHK) was founded in 1948 to preserve Japanese swords. After World War II, the Occupied troops tried to confiscate and destroy all Japanese swords. So, it was necessary to protect the swords to preserve Japanese sword culture.
Symbol of power:
Sword represented power in human history.
Sword was the primary weapon in the war in human history worldwide. However, it was also a symbol of power and a sign of royal families.
Therefore, most of the emperors or kings are mostly seen with swords in the historical narrative photos. The same perspective is observed in Japan.
Importance:
The importance of swords is indescribable in Japan. Sword was the primary weapon in Japan.
Moreover, Japanese soldiers were very skilled with the sword, like Ninja and Samurai. But without a good sword, how can one be a good soldier?
But, luckily, Japan had both excellent soldiers and good swords. The Japanese Sword Museum can give visitors a clear idea about it.
Visitors of the museum can see the art-works of the blade at Sword Museum. It has more than 170 collections including, Japanese Mountings, swords, and armor.
Admission fee:
Adults: 1000 yen
Members: 700 yen
Students: 500yen
Under 15 old and disabilities free
However, the person accompanying disabilities is free.
Hours:
9:30-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Monday is usually closed.
However, the museum is open on Monday if it’s a National Holy in Japan, and instead, the next day remains closed.
Access:
7 minutes walk from Ryogoku Station-West Exit (JR Sobu Line)
5 minutes walk from Ryogoku Station-A1 Exit (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
Address:
1 Chome-12-9 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015
Official website:
Surroundings:
Besides, the Ryogoku Fireworks Museum, Sumida Hokusai Museum, Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium, and Edo-Tokyo Museum are very close to the museum. Visitors can visit these important sites on the same day.
At the same time, there is one more significant temple near the museum, which is famous for World War. Visitors can find many footages of war-torn Tokyo during the war.
The name of the temple is Yokoamicho Memorial Hall.
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