If you are interested in samurai culture and Japanese swords, Touken World Nagoya is a must-visit destination.
This impressive museum is operated by a real estate company based in Nagoya. While they previously had a small exhibition room near Marunouchi Station, they opened a much larger museum near Yabacho Station in May 2024.
Today, Touken World Nagoya is probably one of the largest Japanese sword museums in Japan.
I live in Nagoya and have visited this museum three times. In this article, I will share my experience from my third visit in March 2026.
The museum is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Yabacho Station. The building is large and faces a main street, so it’s easy to find.
Ticket Information
The entrance fee is 1,200 yen for adults. I paid in cash.
After purchasing your ticket, simply scan it at the gate to enter. One great feature is that your ticket is valid for the entire day, so you can leave and re-enter as many times as you like.
Museum Layout Overview
The exhibition areas are spread across the 2nd to 4th floors.
2nd Floor: Armor and Permanent Sword Collection
The second floor features an extensive collection of samurai armor. The displays take up a large space and are very impressive.
The permanent Japanese sword collection is located deeper inside the floor. Swords are displayed in three-tier glass cases. Since this is a permanent exhibition, the lineup does not change very often.
Most explanations are in Japanese, and English descriptions are quite simple. I recommend using translation apps or Wikipedia to learn more about the swordsmiths while exploring.
3rd Floor: Weapons and Special Sword Exhibitions
On the third floor, you will find displays of bows and firearms. Interestingly, not only traditional Japanese matchlock guns are exhibited, but also Western-style firearms.
This floor also hosts rotating special exhibitions of Japanese swords. These exhibitions often include works by famous swordsmiths.
Famous Swordsmiths You May Recognize
During my visit, I saw blades attributed to legendary makers such as Kotetsu, Muramasa, and Masamune.
Nagasone Kotetsu
Kotetsu was active in the early Edo period around 1650 and was highly regarded. His swords were so valuable that many counterfeits exist. There is even a theory that Kondo Isami may not have owned a genuine Kotetsu despite his own claim.
Muramasa is famous for the “cursed sword” legend. Several tragic events involving the Tokugawa family were associated with Muramasa blades, which led to this reputation.
Masamune Masamune is one of the greatest swordsmiths from the Kamakura period, over 800 years ago. Many of his works are designated as national treasures. The sword displayed here was said to have been owned by Emperor Komei.
Even if you are not deeply familiar with Japanese swords, you may recognize these names from anime and video games.
4th Floor: Special Exhibition
Mikazuki Kanemitsu
The 4th floor hosts special exhibitions that change every three months.
During my visit, the theme was Bizen swords from present-day Okayama. The highlight was a masterpiece called “Mikazuki Kanemitsu,” created by Osafune Kanemitsu.
This sword was once owned by the famous warlord Uesugi Kenshin and was taken to the United States after World War II.
The blade’s hamon was incredibly beautiful and almost divine. You can easily imagine why Kenshin cherished this sword. It truly felt like a centerpiece worthy of a special exhibition.
How Much Time Do You Need?
The museum houses an enormous number of Japanese swords.
If you take your time and carefully examine everything, it can easily take around 5 hours.
For serious enthusiasts, I highly recommend planning a relaxed schedule.
Final Thoughts
Touken World Nagoya offers one of the most comprehensive experiences of samurai swords in Japan. Whether you are a history fan, a sword enthusiast, or simply curious about samurai culture, this museum provides a deep and rewarding experience.
If you’re visiting Nagoya, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
FAQ: Touken World Nagoya (Samurai Japanese Sword Museum)
Where is Touken World Nagoya located?
Touken World Nagoya is located about a 10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Yabacho Station in Nagoya.
How much is the entrance fee?
The admission fees are as follows:
Adults: 1,200 yen
Seniors (65 and over): 1,000 yen
University and high school students: 500 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum.
However, there are some restrictions:
Video recording is not allowed
Flash photography is not allowed
Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are prohibited
Please make sure to follow these rules during your visit.
Nearby Attractions
Osu Shopping Street is about a 10-minute walk from Touken World Nagoya.
This lively area is famous for its mix of traditional shops, street food, and pop culture. It’s a great place to explore after visiting the museum.
Nagoya TV Tower is about a 15-minute walk away.
Located in Hisaya Odori Park, it’s one of Nagoya’s most iconic landmarks. You can enjoy the park, cafes, and city views from the tower.
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