Japanese Sword Museum: See Samurai Swords as Works of Art in Ryogoku

Entrance of the Japanese Sword Museum in RyogokuPhoto: 江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Culture
Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oct 20, 2026

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Researched guide · Checked on Nov 5, 2026

Japanese swords are not only weapons but works of art, and the Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku is the place to see them up close, along with their fittings. Run by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, it sits in the grounds of Kyu-Yasuda Garden, a short walk from the sumo arena and the Sumida Hokusai Museum.

Quick answer

Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30). Closed on Mondays (the next day if Monday is a holiday), between exhibitions and over the New Year.

Now showing: special exhibition on the swordsmiths Kotetsu and Sukehiro, October 24 – December 20, 2026. Adults ¥1,500.

Getting there: about 5 minutes from Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line, Exit A1) or 7 minutes from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit).

Tickets

VisitorRegular exhibitionsSpecial exhibition (Oct 24 – Dec 20, 2026)
Adults¥1,000¥1,500
Students (high school, university, vocational school)¥500¥500
Junior high school students and youngerFreeFree
  • Visitors with a disability certificate and one helper are free.
  • Show a ticket stub from the Sumida Hokusai Museum (same day) to get ¥100 off an adult ticket.
  • Prices can differ for each exhibition, so check the official website.
Japanese Sword Museum (official, English)

Visiting tips

Several Japanese swords with decorated hilts on a display stand
Japanese swords with their mountings on display. Photos like this give an idea of what museums show. Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku
The Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku. Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう (Edomura no Tokuzo) / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Combine it with Kyu-Yasuda Garden, which surrounds the museum.
  • The Sumida Hokusai Museum is nearby, and the ¥100 ticket discount works for that combination.
  • See our Ryogoku guide for sumo and food in the area.

How to get there

StationLineWalk
Ryogoku (Exit A1)Toei Oedo LineAbout 5 min
Ryogoku (West Exit)JR Sobu LineAbout 7 min

Address: 1-12-9 Yokoami, Sumida-ku. Toei buses and the Sumida City loop bus stop at “Kyu Yasuda Teien”, about 1 minute away.

FAQ

How much is the Japanese Sword Museum?

Adults pay ¥1,000 for regular exhibitions and ¥1,500 for the special exhibition from October 24 to December 20, 2026. Junior high school students and younger are free.

When is it closed?

On Mondays (the next day if Monday is a holiday), between exhibitions and over the New Year.

Where is it?

In Ryogoku, in the grounds of Kyu-Yasuda Garden, about 5–7 minutes from Ryogoku Station.

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Sources

Hours, prices, exhibitions and access come from the Japanese Sword Museum’s official website (checked November 5, 2026). Please check before you go.