* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Tokyo National Museum
東京国立博物館
Overview
Museum Overview
Founded in 1872 (Meiji 5) in an exposition held at Yushima Seido, it is Japan's oldest and largest museum. With approximately 120,000 items in total, including 89 National Treasures and 648 Important Cultural Properties, it houses the finest works of Japanese art history. In the sword division, it possesses the largest collection of National Treasure-designated blades domestically and is positioned as the pinnacle of Japanese sword appreciation.
Sword Exhibition Hall
In Room 13, the "Sword" Exhibition Hall on the first floor of the Main Building (Japanese Gallery), approximately 30 swords are continuously displayed, with exhibitions changed several times per year. The possession of two of the Five Swords Under Heaven—Mikazuki Munetsugu and Doujikiri Ansatsu—is without parallel in the world. Mikazuki Munetsugu is a work by Sanjo Munetsugu, a swordsmith of Yamashiro Province during the Heian period, with its name derived from the crescent moon-shaped file marks that appear on the blade. Its graceful form has been revered as the ideal of the Japanese sword for a thousand years. Doujikiri Ansatsu is a work by Ansatsu, a master smith of Hoki Province, and bears the legend of Minamoto no Yorimitsu slaying the demon Shuten Doji at Oeyama—a magnificent and dignified blade.
Other National Treasure Swords
Furthermore, Ōhōhira is a tachi by Hōhira of Bizen Province, highly regarded as the supreme masterpiece in Japanese sword history. Its majestic form and meticulously forged jihada are overwhelming to behold. Atsui Tōjiro is a tantō by Asutaguchi Yoshimitsu, and as its name suggests, it possesses exceptionally thick kasane, exemplifying Yoshimitsu's superior forging technique. Beyond these, the collection includes renowned National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as Kikkō Sadamune, Tachi Mei Nagamitsu, and Tachi Mei Kuniyuki.
Multi-Building Complex
Beyond the Sword Exhibition Hall, the Main Building's Warrior Attire display also features sword fittings, armor, and horse tack, enabling visitors to comprehensively experience Japanese martial culture. The Asian Gallery also displays swords and blades from across Asia, offering interesting perspectives for comparative appreciation. The expansive grounds contain five exhibition buildings: the Main Building, the Asian Gallery, the Heisei Gallery, the Horyu-ji Treasures Hall, and the Hyokeikan, with such richness that a single day is insufficient to see everything. Spring visits are particularly popular when combined with the cherry blossoms of Ueno Park, and during the open season of the garden, the Japanese garden behind the Main Building is accessible for strolling.
Highlights
- Mikazuki Munetsugu (National Treasure; among the Five Swords Under Heaven)—A work by Sanjo Munetsugu of the Heian period. Named for the crescent moon-shaped file marks that appear on the blade. Revered as the pinnacle of sword aesthetics, this supreme masterpiece has been cherished for over a thousand years.
- Doujikiri Ansatsu (National Treasure; among the Five Swords Under Heaven)—A work by Ansatsu of Hoki Province. Bears the legend of Minamoto no Yorimitsu slaying the demon Shuten Doji at Oeyama. Its powerful itamehada and beautiful utsuri embody the ideal of the koto blade.
- Ōhōhira (National Treasure)—A work by Hōhira of Bizen Province, often called the "Yokozuna of Japanese swords." With a blade length of 89.2 cm, its wide body and high curvature present a majestic tachi form that stirs the warrior's spirit with overwhelming presence.
- Atsui Tōjiro (National Treasure; by Asutaguchi Yoshimitsu)—Among Yoshimitsu's tantō, the one with the thickest kasane. Its finely textured nashiji-ground surface and crisp suguha hamon represent the pinnacle of Yamashiro-tradition tantō.
- Additionally holds numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties including Kikkō Sadamune, Tachi Mei Nagamitsu, and Tachi Mei Kuniyuki. Displays approximately 30 blades at any time, with exhibitions rotated several times per year to showcase the collection.
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.